Around the corner, around the world

Loss of GP practices

New statistics, highlighted by MSP Donald Cameron, show that the Western Isles has lost three GP practices in the last decade. This chimes with recent warnings from the Royal College of General Practitioners that Scotland could be short of more than 800 family doctors by 2021. The figures revealed the sigificiant decrease of GP practises has been since 2008. Stornoway Gazette

51 factory jobs go

Jedburgh’s Mainetti factory is set to lay off 51 of its 361-plus workforce. The losses at the coathanger plant have been prompted by expected losses of almost £1.2 million over two years – due to a slump in demand for its products caused by the troubles facing the UK’s high street clothing retailers. They are expected to take effect between March and August next year. Southern Reporter

Help for homeless

Staff at a popular coffee chain will demonstrate their giving spirit by opening their shop doors to the homeless and lonely on Christmas Day. Two Costa Coffee stores in Falkirk and Grangemouth are to offer free cups of tea, mince pies, and most importantly, a warm and welcoming atmosphere for those who won’t be spending December 25 with family.

Falkirk Herald

Spanish pay rise

Spain’s government will approve a 22% increase in the minimum wage to €900 per month on December 21, Prime Minister Sánchez announced on Wednesday. The increase, due to start in January, was agreed jointly with anti-austerity party Podemos, as part of the prime minister’s efforts to get enough support for the 2019 budget in parliament.

Majorca Daily Bulletin

Stalkers stalked

Taylor Swift fans mesmerized by rehearsal clips on a kiosk at her May 18 Rose Bowl show were unaware of one crucial detail: A facial-recognition camera inside the display was taking their photos. The images were being transferred to a Nashville “command post,” where they were cross-referenced with a database of hundreds of the pop star’s known stalkers.

Rolling Stone