News In Brief - Monday 19 October 2026

Welcome back if you were off during the October break! Thank you for tuning in to another instalment of News in Brief, giving you news and events from across our services, happening over the next seven days. Have a great week everyone!

New Living Wage rate to be applied

We are pleased to announce that we will be implementing the increase to the Real Living Wage from £13.52 to £14.10 per hour. The change is effective from the 15 October 2026. This increase will have a positive impact on 822 employees. Find out more about the rise on our website. New rates and any applicable arrears will be paid as follows:

Council supports Environmenstrual Week

This week, North Ayrshire Council joins communities and partners to support Environmenstrual Week 2026 (19 – 25 October). Part of the council’s climate change pledge to become a net zero local authority by 2030, our Period Dignity team will be using the awareness week to call on residents to switch to sustainable period products if they are ready to do so. Check out the free period products social media post with details of community larder locations where residents are invited to take home free eco-options such as menstrual cups, washable pads and period pants.

Monday 19 October: Arran Outdoor Education Centre bookings now live

Today, Monday 19 October, bookings go live for August 2027 to June 2028 Arran Outdoor Education Centre school trip bookings. External and non-term time bookings will also have the chance to express their interest early too. Find out more in the latest Arran Outdoors Education Centre news article.

Tuesday 20 October: Recruitment support available for managers

The first of two sessions for recruitment managers will be held on Tuesday. These sessions are designed to support you at key stages of the recruitment process. The first session focuses on planning your recruitment, and is being held from 10am-11pm tomorrow. Click here to book this session. Further details, including how to book for session two, is available on the Staff News website.

Wednesday 21 October: World Menopause Day 2026

To mark World Menopause Day, People Services will be hosting a 'How To' Menopause Awareness Session on Wednesday. The session will explore what menopause is, common symptoms, supportive workplace conversations and the practical support available within North Ayrshire Council. Whether you are experiencing menopause yourself, managing someone who is, or would simply like to learn more, everyone is welcome to attend. For further information and support, employees can also access the Menopause and the Workplace HR guide.

Friday 23 October: Hate Crime webinar book your space!

The Ayrshire Equality Partnership is inviting staff to attend an informative webinar designed to increase understanding of hate crime in Scotland and the legislation that helps protect individuals and communities from prejudice and discrimination. Taking place on Friday 23 October (10am – 11am) via Microsoft Teams. Book your space by emailing the Ayrshire Equality Partnership and find out more in the Hate Crime webinar news update.

Check out Spotlight

The autumn edition of Spotlight is now available to read. This looks at some of the key points from the recent Leadership Conference for managers at Saltcoats Town Hall. Visit the Spotlight section of the Staff News website to read more.

Voting for Participatory Budgeting continues

Residents of North Ayrshire aged 8 and up are able to cast their votes now for the groups they think deserve a share of our total funding pot of £82,185 funding up for grabs, so don’t miss out on having your say. Vote now via the Shaping North Ayrshire website.

LiveWell events October

Read the LiveWell events update for your chance to book onto a series of sessions including soundbaths, arts, crafts, meditation and more…

Book now for line manager How To training

HR are pleased to offer their final round of ‘How To’ sessions for managers. Read the Latest News article to find out more about the Microsoft Teams training sessions including, menopause awareness, managing stress and mental health, practical tools and support available to managers, and guidance on the application of Special Leave.

Head on over to the Café on 4

Another week, another delicious menu from the Café on 4 – head on up to the 4th floor this week to enjoy the choice of breakfast, lunch and treat items.

That's all for now! If you have news to share in News In Brief next week, share your story with us by midday on Friday by using the contact us button below. Have a great week everyone!