WEST END PARENTS WELCOME MOVE TO DITCH JANNIE CLUSTER PLANS
West End parents have welcomed the withdrawal of plans to cluster school janitors.
Cordia, the council-linked body that employs janitors, had wanted to end the model of one janitor per school.
But Unison, the union representing staff, resisted the 'cluster' idea and a series of strikes had hit schools across the city.
However, Cordia has conceded defeat over the introduction of the controversial scheme - even though they claimed it would enhance the pay of janitors who remained in the service.
Meanwhile, a dispute over pay and conditions that was linked to the cluster plans continues.
Bryan Smith, UNISON's Glasgow branch secretary, said members firmly believed the clustering model was unworkable.
He said: "Our members agenda has always been to secure a working context payment and defend the current set-up of one school, one janitor.
"Alongside the city’s parents we appear to have secured the latter and the fight for a working context payment goes on."
John Lewis, chairman of Hyndland Parents’ Council, said: "We're happy that Cordia/GCC have withdrawn the Janny clustering proposals which were linked to the offer.
"But we believe that the jannies should be given a fair deal, and that's why we and many other parent councils support them in their ongoing industrial dispute, without any requirement to diminish health, safety and security and an undermining of the school community in the process."
TOP COP APPEALS TO PUBLIC OVER FUTURE OF POLICING IN THE WEST END
The West End's top police officer is asking for the public's input in the future of policing in the area.
Police Scotland has recently published its 10-year strategy for policing in Scotland.
Glasgow North West Area Commander Chief Inspector Morag Stewart says she wants as many voices as possible to be heard.
She said: "The strategy has been developed in response to the changing demands on policing and shifting patterns of crime, often enabled by new technologies.
"Our population is ageing and becoming more diverse in terms of language and culture and the duty to protect vulnerable people is becoming ever more complex.
"None of us know what Scotland will look like in 2026 but it is important that as an organisation we try to look ahead and make changes to ensure that we maximise public safety and remain operationally and financially stable."
Communication between police and public, building new and strengthening old partnerships, and better use of technology are key areas for discussion.
Morag said: "We will also be developing our approach in five key areas of activity: prevention - tackling crime, inequality and critical problems facing communities; protection - based on threat, risk and harm; communities - focused on localism, diversity and the virtual world; knowledge - informing the development of better services, and innovation - becoming a dynamic, adaptable and sustainable service."
You can find more information on the draft strategy document and consultation opportunity at https://consult.scotland.police.uk/consultation/2026/ or alternatively, get in touch with the 2026 Team at Policing 2026 Consultation, Clyde Gateway, 2 French Street, Dalmarnock, Glasgow G40 4EH.
PUB GROUP IN A NEW TAKE ON STAFFF TRAINING
The group at the forefront of Finnieston’s transformation is taking an unconventional approach to staff training - by preparing their top employees to leave the business.
Kained Holdings recently launched a bespoke management development programme, which provides staff with the tools to run their own business.
In doing so, the owners are actively encouraging graduates from the programme to take them on at their own game.
Scott Arnot is one of Kained’s three founding directors. Together with Mo Clark and Graham Suttle, he opened Lebowski’s ten years ago and has since launched eight more venues. He designed this initiative.
Scott said: “To continue to do what we do, we need the very best people the industry has to offer. We have to be competitive. We are honest with our staff, the company’s growth is strategic so not everyone can be promoted to area manager. That’s why we have to look at other ways to attract the best staff to be part of our journey.
“We want to provide our employees with the skills, experience and training to one day run their own business. If that means they become competitors, then we’ll just have to be up to the challenge!"
The program involves trips across Europe and the Americas, where employees can experience the latest food and drink trends as well as new techniques and approaches to the hospitality sector.
* To find out more about opportunities with Kained Holdings, email people@kained-holdings.com with your CV.
BUILDING COMPANY HAILS COMPLETION OF WEST END DEVELOPMENT
Glasgow-based construction firm, CCG (Scotland) Ltd has officially announced the completion of a new residential development at Hillside Gardens Lane in the heart of Glasgow’s West End.
The project comprises six contemporary townhouses by Hoskins Architects – each of which has been designed to complement the surrounding Victorian architecture of the area.
The project also included the renovation of the clubhouse at Partickhill Bowling Club, as well as the creation of high-end private landscaped gardens.
The six homes at Hillside Gardens Lane have been created over three levels and placed in a tranquil lane and garden setting in the heart of the West End’s conservation area.
The homes had been opposed in some quarters when plans were submitted several years ago because of the loss of greenspace.
The development was constructed using CCG’s closed-panel timber frame system manufactured in the company’s bespoke ‘off-site manufacturing’ facility in Cambuslang.
Calum Murray, director CCG, said: “It is incredible to see this development in all its glory in the heart of the historic West End.
"The site that the townhouses were constructed upon was once overgrown with a lot of unsightly vegetation so to see this transformation, including the re-born Clubhouse, is a proud moment for CCG.”
