Local NHS services in West Yorkshire are benefitting from new investment to train and upskill people for jobs in the health and social care sector.
In an unprecedented move for the region, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin is funding training for frontline NHS workers.
The £1.3 million investment will fund a variety of courses aimed at introducing people to health and social care roles, with clear pathways for progression into secure jobs in hospitals, hospices, and other healthcare settings.
This will also help upskill people already working in the healthcare sector, such as nurses who want to progress from hospitals to GP or “general practice” settings, as well as more general “advanced skills” courses, to help people secure better-paid roles in the region.
The Mayor has issued a warning to the government that this funding is a “sticking plaster over the gaping wound” of the NHS recruitment and retention crisis, and Ministers must provide sustainable funding for the NHS to train the number of frontline staff it needs to support patients.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Our NHS is in crisis, but here in West Yorkshire, our devolved powers over skills training are allowing us to step in to support our stressed and strained frontline services.
“The Government must put forward a real plan to save our economy, rescue our public services, and fix the NHS’s recruitment and retention crisis for good.
“This means proper funding for health and social care across the country, but also a single funding settlement for our region, so that we can harness that greater flexibility to support more jobs and build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.”
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority predicts that over 1,000 new workers will be recruited as a result of the over £1 million investment in skills training for healthcare roles.
The funding has been allocated by regional leaders from the so-called “Gainshare” – the discretionary £38 million per year fund devolved to West Yorkshire as part of its devolution deal.
This flexible approach to funding has brought decision-making closer to where people live, with this new investment in healthcare training a direct response to local labour market data, which shows that there were more than 3,300 job postings for health and social care roles in February 2024 alone.
Data also shows that the NHS staffing crisis is felt more severely in Yorkshire and the Humber than elsewhere in the country, with 9.2% of NHS roles vacant in the year 2022-2023, compared to the average rate of 3.4% across the UK.
Cllr Cathy Scott, Leader of Kirklees Council and Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Employment and Skills Committee, said: “Everyone should have the chance to get the skills they need to succeed, no matter their background or circumstances.
“So I’m pleased we’re able to support people into good, well-paid jobs through this investment.
“And having the qualified people to take on these vitally important healthcare roles is making a difference throughout our communities, as we work to create a West Yorkshire that works for all.”
Sheffield business community urged to apply for senior public sector roles
More than 200 business professionals in Sheffield signed up for an event hosted by the Cabinet Office and Sheffield City Council to learn about applying for senior public sector roles in a bid to increase regional representation on UK public boards.
Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Minister of State at the Cabinet Office, said: “Public appointees get the chance to improve vital public services, get more involved with their communities, work with a wide range of talented people and make a difference to society. They are extremely rewarding roles and can help accelerate people’s careers.
“The skills and expertise here in Sheffield can be of huge value to the public sector, so I strongly encourage professionals in the area to consider applying for a position.”
The Government makes more than 1,000 public appointments a year across a range of sectors, with new roles going live every week, to support institutions like the NHS, the Met Office and the BBC. Current roles on offer include: Non-Executive Board Member of HM Land Registry; Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration; and Member of the Engineering Biology Steering Group.Businesses warned to check regularly to keep premises free from Legionella
Businesses are being warned about the need of regular Legionella testing in order to maintain a healthy workplace to avoid employees becoming one of up to 6,000 people who suffer from the disease every year, and which can kill about 10% of its victims.
Legionella is the waterborne bacteria leading to Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia. While the disease can affect people of all ages, Legionnaires’ is especially fatal to people who are elderly, ill or have a compromised immune system.
The bacteria can be found within water tanks, plumbing systems, cooling towers and air conditioning units, and thrives in temperatures between 20-45°C or stagnant water systems.
Karl Bantleman of Legionella Risk Assessment experts Direct365 said:“The severity of Legionnaires’ Disease cannot be stressed enough. While the disease is less common than others in the UK, the significant impact it can have on the health of individuals cannot be missed.
“Routine assessment for Legionella is therefore not just a statutory obligation, but an ethical necessity for all businesses. A comprehensive risk assessment aids in identifying conditions that facilitate Legionella bacteria growth and mitigating them immediately. This therefore ensures the safety of a company’s most valuable assets – its employees.
“Investing in regular comprehensive assessments is a fundamental step towards preserving staff well-being, mitigating risk, demonstrating corporate responsibility, and effectively safeguarding your business against potentially devastating legal and reputational ramifications.”
People catch Legionnaires’ Disease at work by inhaling the bacteria in droplets of water in the air. It should be noted however that the disease is not contagious and cannot spread directly from person to person. However, while people with weakened immune systems are at more risk, anyone can catch the disease.
Testing for Legionella in a business involves several steps which will need to be carried out by a professional service due to the complexity of the process and regulations involved. Testing involves:
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Risk Assessment: The first step is to carry out a Legionella risk assessment. This involves looking at areas where there’s a risk of Legionella bacteria proliferating, such as hot and cold water systems, air conditioning systems, and cooling towers.
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Sampling: Once potential risk areas have been identified, water samples are taken. It’s usually suggested to take samples early in the morning when usage is low and Legionella bacteria are likely to be present at higher levels.
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Testing: The samples are then sent to a laboratory where they’re tested using techniques like culture analysis and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) which is a DNA method that detects both live and dead Legionella bacteria, usually giving results within hours.
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Reporting: A report will be compiled outlining the testing details, results, and a tailored action plan for your business to ensure that your business is compliant to the L8 Approved Code of Practice.
Council explores possibility of creating high-end hotel in Scarborough
North Yorkshire Council are exploring the potential of creating a four star hotel on the site of the former indoor swimming pool at Ryndle Crescent in Scarborough’s North Bay.
The council is looking to engage with the hospitality market to understand the best way to bring forward this proposal, which it expects will involve a partnership between the Council and a developer and potentially a hotel operator.
The Council says the need for more high-quality accommodation within Scarborough is supported by the Visitor Economy Strategy 2021-2035 which identified it as essential for the town to provide an even greater range of good value and high-quality accommodation in order to attract more staying visitors, extend the tourism season and continue recovery and growth of the tourism economy.
Importantly hotel development on this site will act to support those developments proposed within the wider North Bay area including the Open Air Theatre.
Deputy leader Cllr Gareth Dadd, said: “The provision of a high-quality hotel is intrinsic to realising the overall objectives to develop the North Bay and remains a key strategic focus for the future growth and prosperity of the town. It would bring in jobs, increased overnight stays and therefore increased spend in the town contributing to the wider economy, community, and social benefit of the county.”
125-year lease signed for Doncaster Airport
A 125-year lease to take over the former Doncaster Sheffield Airport has been signed, Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones has announced.
She said the lease agreement is the first stage in the process to reopen the airport, and the next stage would be the appointment of an airport operator to manage the operational airport.
“This is a significant day in our ambition to reopen the airport as the lease has been signed. I was determined to find a way to secure the future of aviation in Doncaster and this agreement helps us along the way to reopening our airport and seeing planes taking off once again.
“I am optimistic that I can announce a partnership later in the spring. I would like to personally thank Doncaster Council officers who have worked tirelessly with great dedication, insight, determination and skill to get us to where we are today. This has been no mean feat. Let’s look forward to the future with an airport that will help boost the economic and growth fortunes of our city, South Yorkshire and the north.
“I would also like to thank my fellow South Yorkshire Leaders for backing the efforts of me and this council to save and reopen our airport. This airport is for the whole of South Yorkshire.”
The lease signing forms part of the South Yorkshire Airport City programme which City of Doncaster Council put in place dedicated to working towards reopening the airport. The programme covers all the technical, legal, procurement and financial work necessary to progress securing the site and preparing essential requirements ahead of a partnership with an operator.
The programme is not the name of the airport which is yet to be determined.
Bank of England holds interest rates at 5.25%
The Bank of England has held interest rates for the fifth time, at 5.25%.
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) sets monetary policy to meet a 2% inflation target, which is expected to be achieved temporarily in Q2 of 2024. At its meeting ending on 20 March 2024, the MPC voted by a majority of 8–1 to maintain Bank Rate at 5.25%.
One member preferred to reduce Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 5%.
Anna Leach, CBI Deputy Chief Economist, said: “The Bank of England has as expected chosen to keep interest rates on hold for the fifth occasion, following February’s inflation number which came in at its lowest since 2021.
“Nonetheless, services inflation, though falling in line with expectations, remains relatively high at 6.1%. And wage inflation, while likewise having fallen back is still running too hot to sustainably deliver 2% inflation, with risks that the forthcoming rise in the national living wage may yet spur renewed wage pressures.
“The CBI’s own surveys have shown the downward trend in price expectations stall across much of the private sector recently, amidst a renewed uptick in cost pressures. And the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine present further risks to the inflation outlook.
“Unsurprisingly therefore the Bank has reiterated that they’re looking for further evidence of sustained declines in domestic inflationary measures in particular in the coming months before they’ll consider dropping rates, with markets expecting the first downward move to come in June.”
Dudleys adds two to staff at Leeds office
Structural and civil engineering consultancy Dudleys has recruited two new professionals to its team in Leeds.
David Cardani has joined Dudleys as Principal Engineer. With more than 34 years’ industry experience, he is a highly skilled engineer and will provide senior support to clients across the board in all sectors.
Frances Wallbank has also joined Dudleys as Graduate Engineer. Having graduated last year with a First-Class Honours Degree in BSc Civil Engineering, Frances took on a five-year apprenticeship before joining Dudleys where she will shadow the senior team on projects spanning residential, commercial and care sectors.
Dudleys MD Andy Walker said: “Our people are fundamental to the success of the business as demonstrated in very positive trading where we are currently operating 10 per cent ahead of targets.
“Our appointment to support Leeds Bradford Airport with its £100 million upgrade plan has significantly boosted performance, as well as multiple instructions with Voyage Care, and Torsion Care. We also retain ongoing instructions with Leeds United, Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate and Keighly & Worth Valley Railway.”
“Across the Pennines, we are pleased to be relocating our North-West office from Prestwich to King Street in Manchester city centre. This super prime location will not only help us to attract the best talent in the region but also places us in the heart of the commercial property business community.”
Dudleys provides structural and civil engineering advice across the UK. Established more than 15 years ago, the privately owned consultancy employs a team of 26 highly skilled engineers, operating in all key real estate sectors including residential, industrial, commercial, retail and education.
Huddersfield development company purchases land at West Yorkshire farm
Huddersfield development company, John Radcliffe & Sons has purchased land at Yew Tree Farm in Farnley Tyas, West Yorkshire. Radcliffe Developments Farnley has already developed 31 houses in Farnley Tyas on two other farms.
The latest farm is 1.5 acres of derelict agricultural buildings, some of which are listed. The development comprises nine individually designed houses and eight refurbished cottages. It contains four Grade II* listed buildings, which are to be sensitively retained and converted. The remaining derelict farm buildings are to be demolished to clear space for nine new homes.
John Radcliffe said: “We are delighted to have approval for our latest proposals for Yew Tree Farm. We have worked closely with Kirklees planners to produce a quality scheme in a Conservation Area that appreciates the important historic interest of Farnley Tyas and the character of this special village. We hope to be on site in the Spring, with the first houses available for occupation next summer.
“Our development will regenerate Yew Tree Farm by demolishing those agricultural buildings that are no longer fit for purpose, retaining the listed buildings on site for sympathetic conversion, and providing high-quality new homes with appropriate landscaping to create a harmonious scheme within the heart of Farnley Tyas.
“We are looking forward to working with our buyers to create their new homes. Our agent, Paul Keighley at Bramleys in Huddersfield, has already had many enquiries, and our marketing is about to start in earnest.”
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP advised John Radcliffe & Sons on the land purchase.
Chris Waterhouse, real estate & property partner at Andrew Jackson Solicitors, added: “Having worked with John and his team for over 30 years, I wish them every success with Yew Tree Farm. They are an impressive team and have shown their commitment to providing a development that will become an integral part of village life for the future.”
336-acre sustainable urban extension scheme in Skegness gains approval
Plans to transform part of the East Lincolnshire coast have taken an important step forward, following unilateral approval of the 336-acre sustainable urban extension scheme in Skegness.
The news, delivered Wednesday 20 March at an executive meeting of East Lindsey District Council in Horncastle, means the town is on the cusp of receiving more than £300 million in economic benefits, delivering hundreds of local jobs.
Projections undertaken by the Gateway team showcase the scheme will deliver employment benefits of £289.7 million, £20.5 million and £16 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) measurability for commercial, industrial and retail sector jobs.
The proposed Local Development Order is seeking to expedite the delivery of up to 1,000 new homes and more than 49 acres of combined business, industrial and community space.
Situated to the west of the town, on land principally owned by Croftmarsh, with additional areas owned by the Scarbrough family, the Skegness Gateway scheme is set to breathe new life into an area of the Lincolnshire coast that drastically needs change in order to secure its future, boosting the local economy and providing the education and jobs for local people that will encourage them to stay in the area.
Sue Bowser of Croftmarsh said: “This is a milestone moment for the people of Skegness and an important step in revitalising our town and community. It is a pathway for people to carve a real future in the town, with employment, skills and learning opportunities all situated within one site, connected by an ambition to restore Skegness at the heart of East Midlands economic investment.
“Having farmed the land at Croftmarsh for 30 years, it was always hoped that it could eventually be used for development. Now, it’s a chance for prospective consultants, developers and investors to look more closely at our plans and be a part of transforming Skegness’ future. It will become a new home for thousands of families, a place of ambition and prosperity, with a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
As part of the proposals, the Skegness Gateway site also includes provision for a new crematorium, 78 acres of green open space, supported living options and a new local centre.
The scheme has garnered wide stakeholder and public support since its launch three years ago, following a series of engagement sessions and appearances at local community events.
Last November, it was described by Matt Warman, MP for Boston and Skegness as a catalyst to ‘allow people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to get the jobs they want.’ The scheme was also mentioned in the House of Commons as offering a ‘significant boon to local NHS services.’
Enabling works on the new Skegness TEC college, which is situated on the Skegness Gateway site, is already underway, following planning permission being granted in February last year.
Adrian Clarke, group vice principal for corporate services at TEC Partnership, said: “The new campus will provide fantastic opportunities for the local community to undertake courses in further and higher education and develop the skills the area needs for its future.”
Chris Baron, chair at Connected Coast, said: “We are seeing unprecedented investment in Skegness which is supporting the delivery of aspirational and transformational projects.
“The Skegness Gateway represents a further and significant opportunity to create much-needed facilities for the area and enhance Skegness for people who live and visit here.
“Together the opportunities, interventions, and investment – which includes the Towns Fund and the recently announced Long Term Plan for Towns – will bring long-term, sustainable benefits for Skegness which will be felt for generations to come.”
Councillor Steve Kirk, East Lindsey District Council portfolio holder for coastal economy, said: “I am delighted to see another positive step taken towards delivering this transformational piece of investment to Skegness and East Lindsey as a whole.
“By supporting these plans, we are helping to create new jobs, new education and skills development options, new homes and new opportunities for businesses and the local economy. This is yet another example that shows Skegness is a great place to live, work, play and invest.
“Alongside our ongoing Towns Fund and Levelling Up projects, the positive impact of these developments will be felt for generations to come, and I look forward to continuing to see them become a reality in the months and years ahead.”
South Yorkshire’s Mayor becomes first Northern Mayor to sign UK steel charter
Oliver Coppard has become the first Metro Mayor in the North to sign up to the UK Steel Charter.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor signed the charter at Sheffield Forgemasters on Tuesday 19 March, alongside the South Yorkshire Business Advisory Board, in a move to promote UK-made steel in the region and help bring growth to South Yorkshire.
As Mayor for a region with Sheffield’s ‘Steel City’ at its core Mayor Coppard said that it was his priority to bring growth to the region and that there were “huge opportunities” for South Yorkshire.
South Yorkshire’s newly established Business Advisory Board is committed to growing the local economy and driving business growth. It is made up of some of region’s brightest and best business leaders, who work together with the Mayor to challenge, champion success, and ensure the business voice is heard loud and clear.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “South Yorkshire is the spiritual home of the steel industry. We were the first place to mass produce steel, we powered the first industrial revolution, and we’re now home to the world’s first advanced manufacturing district.
“Now, as the Mayor of South Yorkshire, I’m determined to restore the pride, purpose and prosperity of South Yorkshire. By signing the UK’s Steel Charter we are not just recognising our heritage, we are committing to bringing high-quality, good jobs and growth to our region, right across our region.
“Advanced manufacturing, making the materials and the machines that will power our country forward, is South Yorkshire’s lodestar, the future of our communities and our economy. That’s why it’s not just important but vital that we commit to the UK’s Steel Charter.
“It’s all the better to do so here at Sheffield Forgemasters, a company that is so central to that brighter future for both steel and South Yorkshire that we all want to see.”
The Steel Charter, first set up in 2019, supports the UK steel industry in its efforts to change the way it procures steel to include more domestic products.
Tariq Shah, Co-Chair of the Business Advisory Board, said: “Signing the UK Steel Charter underlines the Mayor’s and the Business Advisory Board’s commitment to growing South Yorkshire’s economy and supporting local businesses and supply chains.
“Our mission is to play a pivotal role in capitalising on the positive momentum in South Yorkshire, driving business success nationally and internationally. Today’s meeting with Sheffield Forgemasters and UK Steel has highlighted the huge importance of South Yorkshire steel to the local and national economy and to wider supply chains.”
The charter encourages signatories – government administrations, local authorities and private sector – to publicly signal their commitment to using UK steel in major projects.
UK steelmakers could supply industries such as energy, transport, and construction, with steel worth up to £3.8billion a year by 2030. The UK’s steel sector employs 39,800 people directly and supports a further 50,000 in supply chains.
UK Steel Director General, Gareth Stace, said: “This is a triple boost of support as Mayor Coppard, the South Yorkshire Business Advisory Board and the Combined Authority join the UK Steel Charter.
“Today’s support is even more poignant as the Charter is signed in Sheffield, the historical home of the UK steel industry.
“With major support from these business leaders, the economy and thousands of jobs in South Yorkshire and throughout the UK will reap benefits from purchasing steel that is made, processed, and delivered here in Britain.
“Why expose your project to the whims of unpredictable global supply chains, when you have the option of a reliable local business to partner with, throughout the lifetime of your project. Using UK steel is quite simply a win-win for everyone.”
Sheffield Forgemasters Chief Executive Officer, Gary Nutter, said: “The UK Steel Charter signing at Sheffield Forgemasters is timely, as we progress with substantial recapitalisation of our site to secure defence supply for decades to come.
“This company is testament to the importance of British steel production and our skills base is unique, which is why the business was acquired by the Ministry of Defence in 2021.
“As global instability shows itself through energy challenges, it is critical that we reflect on the security of domestic manufacturing capabilities.”
The UK Steel Charter is a commitment that shows how the South Yorkshire Mayor, Combined Authority and Business Advisory Board aim to change procurement processes to include more UK-made steel and support the economy.
The Charter enables government departments, devolved administrations, local authorities, and private organisations, to publicly signal their commitment to using UK steel in major projects.
