birminghammail--2020-11-11--Coronavirus tragedy as 'healthy' mum and son die 8 hours apart

A `` healthy '' mum and her son died from coronavirus within hours of each other .
Dorothy Wakefield , 79 , from Staffordshire , died on Saturday following a Covid-19 battle , with her son , Mark , aged 53 , also passing away .
They died in the same hospital in the West Midlands , just eight hours apart .
Mark , a dad-of-one , had battled coronavirus while in a coma .
His niece Emily , granddaughter to Dorothy , has paid tribute , telling Stoke On Trent Live : `` A lot of people think covid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes it out of you and then you get better .
`` When my nan and uncle went to hospital they did n't think they would never be coming home again . ''
The 25-year-old added : `` Granted , a lot of people do get over it but that 's not always the case .
It 's so , so dangerous .
`` Mark was following all the social distancing guidelines , he was taking precautions .
For all we know , he may have got this in the supermarket .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were sceptical about covid until he died .
It 's been a real eye-opener . ''
Emily added : `` I was at work and mum rang to say Mark had these symptoms .
He 'd got a home test kit but he 'd done it wrong and needed another one .
`` He was coughing that badly and he was struggling for breath so he rang the ambulance .
`` Nan was n't too bad at this stage but the paramedics ended up taking her to hospital too .
They both had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Mark was n't doing very well and he needed to be put on oxygen and in a matter of days he ended up on critical care .
He could n't breathe by himself and his oxygen levels kept dropping .
He had to be drip fed .
`` He was trying to stay in good spirits , and told us he was going to fight it .
He kept saying he could n't wait to come home and have a curry .
We tried to keep it light-hearted .
`` But he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a CPAP machine .
He was saying that it was really hurting .
The covid was putting so much stress on his body .
`` There just was n't any improvement so they decided to put him in a coma .
I was with my mum as we 're in a bubble and we just sat there and cried .
`` Nan was on a different ward and did n't know how bad Mark was because we did n't want to make it any worse for her .
She was asking if she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It was just horrible , it did n't seem real .
`` We then got a call from nan 's ward to say that she was being moved to a respiratory ward and she was put on a CPAP machine .
`` We 're only a small family and we just kept thinking 'we ca n't lose them both ' .
`` Mum went up to the hospital at midnight to see nan .
She was telling her how it was all going to be OK and that we all loved her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I could n't afford to take the time off work .
`` Mum went home but then rang me at 5am to say nan had gone .
She just could n't fight anymore .
She just decided that she was going .
`` I offered to go and be with mum but she just wanted to get some sleep .
Then at 11am we got the news about Mark .
`` He 'd been in a coma for a week and the treatment just was n't working .
`` We ca n't believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few hours .
`` Our only comfort is that they both went together so will never be apart . ''
The pair also leave behind Dorothy 's daughter and Mark 's sister , Amanda Murrell , aged 54 , and Mark 's 15-year-old daughter Lily Sheldon .
A GoFundMe page has now been set up to support the family with £4,000 donated in three days .
A joint funeral will take place on November 27 at 1.30pm and will see the two hearses driven round Stoke including a drive-by of the Commercial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video link to the service .
To support the appeal , click here .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Hayley Parker, James Rodger)

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A "healthy" mum and her son died from coronavirus within hours of each other.
Dorothy Wakefield, 79, from Staffordshire, died on Saturday following a Covid-19 battle, with her son, Mark, aged 53, also passing away.
They died in the same hospital in the West Midlands, just eight hours apart.
Mark, a dad-of-one, had battled coronavirus while in a coma.
His niece Emily, granddaughter to Dorothy, has paid tribute, telling Stoke On Trent Live : "A lot of people think covid's not real or that it just takes it out of you and then you get better.
"When my nan and uncle went to hospital they didn't think they would never be coming home again."
The 25-year-old added: "Granted, a lot of people do get over it but that's not always the case. It's so, so dangerous.
"Mark was following all the social distancing guidelines, he was taking precautions. For all we know, he may have got this in the supermarket.
"Friends of my uncle have said they were sceptical about covid until he died. It's been a real eye-opener."
Emily added: "I was at work and mum rang to say Mark had these symptoms. He'd got a home test kit but he'd done it wrong and needed another one.
"He was coughing that badly and he was struggling for breath so he rang the ambulance.
"Nan wasn't too bad at this stage but the paramedics ended up taking her to hospital too. They both had tests which confirmed they had it.
"Mark wasn't doing very well and he needed to be put on oxygen and in a matter of days he ended up on critical care. He couldn't breathe by himself and his oxygen levels kept dropping. He had to be drip fed.
"He was trying to stay in good spirits, and told us he was going to fight it. He kept saying he couldn't wait to come home and have a curry. We tried to keep it light-hearted.
"But he just kept getting worse and he needed a CPAP machine. He was saying that it was really hurting. The covid was putting so much stress on his body.
"There just wasn't any improvement so they decided to put him in a coma. I was with my mum as we're in a bubble and we just sat there and cried.
"Nan was on a different ward and didn't know how bad Mark was because we didn't want to make it any worse for her. She was asking if she could record a message for him.
"It was just horrible, it didn't seem real.
"We then got a call from nan's ward to say that she was being moved to a respiratory ward and she was put on a CPAP machine.
"We're only a small family and we just kept thinking 'we can't lose them both'.
"Mum went up to the hospital at midnight to see nan. She was telling her how it was all going to be OK and that we all loved her. I wanted to go too but I couldn't afford to take the time off work.
"Mum went home but then rang me at 5am to say nan had gone. She just couldn't fight anymore. She just decided that she was going.
"I offered to go and be with mum but she just wanted to get some sleep. Then at 11am we got the news about Mark.
"He'd been in a coma for a week and the treatment just wasn't working.
"We can't believe they both went in the space of a few hours.
"Our only comfort is that they both went together so will never be apart."
The pair also leave behind Dorothy's daughter and Mark's sister, Amanda Murrell, aged 54, and Mark's 15-year-old daughter Lily Sheldon.
A GoFundMe page has now been set up to support the family with £4,000 donated in three days.
A joint funeral will take place on November 27 at 1.30pm and will see the two hearses driven round Stoke including a drive-by of the Commercial Inn.
There will also be a video link to the service.
To support the appeal, click here.


birminghammail--2020-11-11--Man detained over alleged Spanish holiday airport arson attack

A man has been arrested for an alleged arson attack at a Spanish airport popular with visitors from the UK @ @ @ @ @ National Police officers in Palma de Mallorca following a blaze last Friday afternoon .
The @ @ @ @ @ 's multi-storey car park and four vehicles were gutted .
Flames were spotted shortly after @ @ @ @ @ emergency services raced to the scene .
A man was spotted acting suspiciously and initially @ @ @ @ @ to police .
When he was search officers allegedly discovered he was carrying cigarette lighters @ @ @ @ @ .
He was detained after a struggle and faces arson charges .
No flights were @ @ @ @ @ is reported to have caused much disruption .
Palma de Mallorca airport is one of @ @ @ @ @ was used by 29.7 million passengers in 2019 .
Ryanair , easyJet and Jet2 are @ @ @ @ @ from the airport , although most flights from the UK have ceased for winter .

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A man has been arrested for an alleged arson attack at a Spanish airport popular with visitors from the UK.
He was detained by National Police officers in Palma de Mallorca following a blaze last Friday afternoon.
The fire started in the airport's multi-storey car park and four vehicles were gutted.
Flames were spotted shortly after 1.30pm by airport workers and emergency services raced to the scene.
A man was spotted acting suspiciously and initially refused to give his details to police. When he was search officers allegedly discovered he was carrying cigarette lighters and a bottle of butane.
He was detained after a struggle and faces arson charges.
No flights were affected, although the incident is reported to have caused much disruption.
Palma de Mallorca airport is one of the busiest in Spain and was used by 29.7 million passengers in 2019.
Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 are among the airlines that operate from the airport, although most flights from the UK have ceased for winter.


birminghammail--2020-11-11--Best lockdown loungewear you can buy from ASOS, New Look and boohoo

England is currently in the midst of a second lockdown meaning many people have been forced to work from home once more .
And when we 're working from home , we all default to our most comfy clothes because we are n't really going anywhere .
So it 's no surprise that loungewear has been a big hit for fashion shops in the last few months with stores like Primark advertising comfy clothes you can wear at home .
We have decided to list some of the best loungewear deals that you can buy from some UK stores that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looked at stores such as ASOS , New Look , boohoo and more to see who has the best deals so you can order them as soon as possible for lockdown .
ASOS has plenty of loungewear on sale that you can mix-and-match from big brands or you also have cheaper options to choose from .
The site is also offering 20 per cent off everything .
Here are some of the best picks : Pieces lounge set in tan - £56 - £30 hoodie and £26 for the lounge trousers .
ASOS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cardi in grey marl - £42 but you can also purchase an extra co-ord maxi cardi for an extra £30 Chelsea Peers organic cotton heavy weight lounge set in teal - £65 without the shorts New Look is much cheaper that the selections from ASOS which will be great for people looking for a good deal .
Here are some of the best picks from New Look : Pale Amour lounge sweatshirt - £12.99 - one of the most popular pieces of loungewear currently being sold Pale Grey Star Soft Fleece Lounge Sweatshirt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matching set that will be perfect when you have no meetings Black Velvet Just Be You Logo Lounge Sweatshirt and joggers - Both £12.99 - Another cheap matching set that will be perfect for cold days boohoo has even cheaper options for those right now as it has a massive 30 per cent sale on .
Here are some of the best picks : Mix & Match Slub Lounge Hoodie - £11.20 - down from £16 so buy it while the sale is still one Stripe Detail Crop Lounge Set - £17.50 - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loungewear

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Chris  Harper)

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England is currently in the midst of a second lockdown meaning many people have been forced to work from home once more.
And when we're working from home, we all default to our most comfy clothes because we aren't really going anywhere.
So it's no surprise that loungewear has been a big hit for fashion shops in the last few months with stores like Primark advertising comfy clothes you can wear at home.
We have decided to list some of the best loungewear deals that you can buy from some UK stores that are currently selling online.
We've looked at stores such as ASOS, New Look, boohoo and more to see who has the best deals so you can order them as soon as possible for lockdown.
ASOS
ASOS has plenty of loungewear on sale that you can mix-and-match from big brands or you also have cheaper options to choose from. The site is also offering 20 per cent off everything.
Here are some of the best picks:
Pieces lounge set in tan - £56 - £30 hoodie and £26 for the lounge trousers.
ASOS DESIGN knitted cami, jogger, and cardi in grey marl - £42 but you can also purchase an extra co-ord maxi cardi for an extra £30
Chelsea Peers organic cotton heavy weight lounge set in teal - £65 without the shorts
New Look
New Look is much cheaper that the selections from ASOS which will be great for people looking for a good deal.
Here are some of the best picks from New Look:
Pale Amour lounge sweatshirt - £12.99 - one of the most popular pieces of loungewear currently being sold
Pale Grey Star Soft Fleece Lounge Sweatshirt and joggers - Both £12.99 - A matching set that will be perfect when you have no meetings
Black Velvet Just Be You Logo Lounge Sweatshirt and joggers - Both £12.99 - Another cheap matching set that will be perfect for cold days
boohoo
boohoo has even cheaper options for those right now as it has a massive 30 per cent sale on.
Here are some of the best picks:
Mix & Match Slub Lounge Hoodie - £11.20 - down from £16 so buy it while the sale is still one
Stripe Detail Crop Lounge Set - £17.50 - a great deal for two pieces of loungewear
Short Sleeve Side Stripe Lounge Set - £17.50 - another comfy set at a good price


birminghammail--2020-11-11--New airline MOM Air to offer flights to the USA

A new airline linking the UK with Iceland and the USA will take off in March - despite risks posed by the coronavirus pandemic .
MOM Air has pledged to employ at least 50 per cent female staff ranging from the flight deck to ground crew in a bid to promote gender equality .
A spokesperson for the airline promised MOM Air will make flights cheaper and more enjoyable .
Securing financial support and preparations for flights and its booking system has taken months to finalise , but the airline is optimistic that its low cost flights and attractive onboard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Europe , the USA , and Iceland .
“ We have been working endlessly to provide a better , safer , and more enjoyable travel experience for all our passengers .
`` MOM Air is not only willing to improve its services , but we take gender equality extremely seriously .
`` We will have a 50 per cent if not more female staff , filling various roles , from captains , managers , ground control , and more , ” the spokesperson added .
Additionally , the airline has announced that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow them to register for a period and destination and will be notified once seats become available .
Using this system , as opposed to the current traditional booking system , the airline will maximize its fleet , lowering its carbon footprint .
“ As a new airline , launching during a time where international travel has seen its sharpest decline ever , passengers will be able to book without making a payment beforehand or unbook without extra cost on short notice cancellations , ” the spokesperson said .
MOM Air will operate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jets with initial routes including London , Glasgow and Dublin to destinations in Iceland and the USA .

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A new airline linking the UK with Iceland and the USA will take off in March - despite risks posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
MOM Air has pledged to employ at least 50 per cent female staff ranging from the flight deck to ground crew in a bid to promote gender equality.
A spokesperson for the airline promised MOM Air will make flights cheaper and more enjoyable.
Securing financial support and preparations for flights and its booking system has taken months to finalise, but the airline is optimistic that its low cost flights and attractive onboard services will attract passengers looking to travel between Europe, the USA, and Iceland.
“We have been working endlessly to provide a better, safer, and more enjoyable travel experience for all our passengers.
"MOM Air is not only willing to improve its services, but we take gender equality extremely seriously.
"We will have a 50 per cent if not more female staff, filling various roles, from captains, managers, ground control, and more,” the spokesperson added.
Additionally, the airline has announced that a new booking system for passengers will allow them to register for a period and destination and will be notified once seats become available.
Using this system, as opposed to the current traditional booking system, the airline will maximize its fleet, lowering its carbon footprint.
“As a new airline, launching during a time where international travel has seen its sharpest decline ever, passengers will be able to book without making a payment beforehand or unbook without extra cost on short notice cancellations,” the spokesperson said.
MOM Air will operate a fleet of six new Airbus 320neo jets with initial routes including London, Glasgow and Dublin to destinations in Iceland and the USA.


birminghammail--2020-11-11--The Dudley schools with confirmed Covid cases after half-term

The number of Dudley schools affected by coronavirus continues to rocket .
There were 54 schools in the borough with one or more confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the week following the half-term break - compared to 32 the week before .
The latest data showed Dudley had 443 cases per 100,000 people - up from 341 last week .
Over in Sandwell , where the rate is 422.9 , there were 50 schools affected in the same week , resulting in 1,987 pupils and 209 staff having to self-isolate .
Here is the full list of Dudley schools affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council has praised schools , teachers and other members of the school communities for continuing to work throughout the pandemic .
Councillor Ruth Buttery , cabinet member for children ’ s services , said `` As we move into a second lockdown , coronavirus continues to test our communities and we know this has had an impact on our children and young people .
`` We all need to work together in these challenging times and I am proud to see that , despite the issues they have faced themselves , the young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wonderful example .
`` Dudley Council is determined to help children and young people continue with their education and working together with our partners , we are helping our children to stay in school where they belong and I want to take this chance to thank everyone working in schools , as well as pupils , parents and carers , for playing their role in this vital work . ''

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The number of Dudley schools affected by coronavirus continues to rocket.
There were 54 schools in the borough with one or more confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the week following the half-term break - compared to 32 the week before.
The latest data showed Dudley had 443 cases per 100,000 people - up from 341 last week.
Over in Sandwell, where the rate is 422.9, there were 50 schools affected in the same week, resulting in 1,987 pupils and 209 staff having to self-isolate.
Here is the full list of Dudley schools affected between November 2 and 6:
Beacon Hill Academy
Belle Vue Primary School
Bishop Milner Catholic College
(Image: Google Street View)
Bramford Primary School
Brierley Hill Primary School
Brockmoor Primary School
Bromley Pensnett Primary School
Brook Primary School
Cotwall End Primary School
Cradley C of E Primary School
Dingle Community Primary School
Dormston School
Earls High School
Ellowes Hall Secondary School
Elmfield School
Foxyards Primary School
Gig Mill Primary School
Halesbury School
Ham Dingle Primary Academy
Hawbush Primary School
Howley Grange Primary
Huntingtree Primary School
Hurst Green Primary
Hurst Hill Primary School
Jessons Primary School
Kates Hill Primary School
Kingswinford School
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Leasowes High School
Lutley Primary School
Maidensbridge Primary School
Milking Bank Primary School
Northfield Road Primary School
Old Park Special School
Old Swinford Hospital School
Pedmore High School
Pegasus Academy
Quarry Bank Primary School
Queen Victoria Primary School
Red Hall Primary School
Rowan School
St Chads Primary School
St James's CfE Primary School
St Joseph's Primary School - Dudley
St Joseph's Primary School - Stourbridge
St Margarets at Hasbury
St Mary's CE Primary School - Kingswinford
St Mary's RC Primary School
Summerhill School
Sutton Special School
The Brier Special School
The Wordsley School
Thorns Collegiate Academy
Windsor School
Withymoor Primary School
Dudley Council has praised schools, teachers and other members of the school communities for continuing to work throughout the pandemic.
Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for children’s services, said "As we move into a second lockdown, coronavirus continues to test our communities and we know this has had an impact on our children and young people.
"We all need to work together in these challenging times and I am proud to see that, despite the issues they have faced themselves, the young people in our schools are setting a wonderful example.
"Dudley Council is determined to help children and young people continue with their education and working together with our partners, we are helping our children to stay in school where they belong and I want to take this chance to thank everyone working in schools, as well as pupils, parents and carers, for playing their role in this vital work."


birminghammail--2020-11-11--What armed forces sanctuary in local park will look like

This is the first glimpse of plans to transform a section of Solihull parkland into `` a sanctuary '' for the armed forces .
Final designs for the sensory garden , set to be created at Hillfield Park , were revealed ahead of Armistice Day .
Work on the tract of land , which will be divided into three distinct areas , is expected to start in January with hopes an unveiling could take place in summer .
Once completed the plot is intended to provide a refuge for military veterans and a meeting place for the wider community and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member for environment and highways , said he was delighted that plans , which were delayed by Covid-19 , were moving forward .
`` There 's really two aspects to it .
You have got the garden itself , which is the formal bit but then you have got the other areas nearby . ''
The design reveals these will include a summer meadow , an orchard , nuttery and community woodland , with involvement from the council 's Wildlife Ways team .
`` It wo n't lose its sense of openness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park , one of 16 Green Flag sites in Solihull , was previously identified as the best location for the garden because of its size and solitude .
In January , the council officially announced it was moving forward with the scheme after securing £20,000 from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust .
But at that stage the designs themselves , which were drawn up in close dialogue with the Royal British Legion , were still being kept under wraps .
Elaine Butler , president of Warwickshire and Birmingham County Royal British Legion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of year we remember the debt of gratitude to the fallen , but this garden is not just for November 11 it will be place of reflection , comfort and peace , a healing habitat to be enjoyed by people of all ages throughout the year . ''
At one stage it was hoped to have the project finished in time for the 75th anniversary of VE Day , but the council said at the start of the year that the summer was a more likely completion date .
However , within weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grip of the pandemic and groundwork was eventually delayed until 2021 .
Residents may have spotted vivid red poppies brightening up the tarmac at sites around Solihull .
The colourful markings were one of the novel ways the borough marked the Remembrance , after Covid-19 cancelled many of the traditional commemorations .
The 13 sites where poppies have appeared are : The Square ( Solihull town centre ) , Warwick Road ( near Olton 's clock ) , Hampton-in-Arden High Street , Bickenhill Road ( Marston Green ) , Bradford Road ( Castle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , Stratford Road ( Shirley ) , Marston Drive ( Kingshurst ) , Chelmsley Wood , Knowle High Street , Arden Square ( Dorridge ) , Station Road ( Balsall Common ) , and Burtons Way ( Smith 's Wood ) .

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This is the first glimpse of plans to transform a section of Solihull parkland into "a sanctuary" for the armed forces.
Final designs for the sensory garden, set to be created at Hillfield Park, were revealed ahead of Armistice Day.
Work on the tract of land, which will be divided into three distinct areas, is expected to start in January with hopes an unveiling could take place in summer.
Once completed the plot is intended to provide a refuge for military veterans and a meeting place for the wider community and schoolchildren.
(Image: Solihull Council)
Cllr Ken Hawkins, cabinet member for environment and highways, said he was delighted that plans, which were delayed by Covid-19, were moving forward.
"There's really two aspects to it. You have got the garden itself, which is the formal bit but then you have got the other areas nearby."
The design reveals these will include a summer meadow, an orchard, nuttery and community woodland, with involvement from the council's Wildlife Ways team.
"It won't lose its sense of openness," added the cabinet member.
Hillfield Park, one of 16 Green Flag sites in Solihull, was previously identified as the best location for the garden because of its size and solitude.
In January, the council officially announced it was moving forward with the scheme after securing £20,000 from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.
But at that stage the designs themselves, which were drawn up in close dialogue with the Royal British Legion, were still being kept under wraps.
Elaine Butler, president of Warwickshire and Birmingham County Royal British Legion, said: "At this time of year we remember the debt of gratitude to the fallen, but this garden is not just for November 11 it will be place of reflection, comfort and peace, a healing habitat to be enjoyed by people of all ages throughout the year."
At one stage it was hoped to have the project finished in time for the 75th anniversary of VE Day, but the council said at the start of the year that the summer was a more likely completion date.
However, within weeks of the announcement Solihull was in the grip of the pandemic and groundwork was eventually delayed until 2021.
Poppies pop up around Solihull:
Residents may have spotted vivid red poppies brightening up the tarmac at sites around Solihull.
The colourful markings were one of the novel ways the borough marked the Remembrance, after Covid-19 cancelled many of the traditional commemorations.
The 13 sites where poppies have appeared are:
The Square (Solihull town centre), Warwick Road (near Olton's clock), Hampton-in-Arden High Street, Bickenhill Road (Marston Green), Bradford Road (Castle Bromwich), The Green (Meriden), Stratford Road (Shirley), Marston Drive (Kingshurst), Chelmsley Wood, Knowle High Street, Arden Square (Dorridge), Station Road (Balsall Common), and Burtons Way (Smith's Wood).


birminghammail--2020-11-11--Jet2 announces hundreds of new jobs at latest UK airport base

Hundreds of jobs will be created when airline and tour operator Jet2 opens its 10th UK airport operating base .
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays - which already flies out of Birmingham - will offer flights and holidays from Bristol Airport to 33 summer destinations and 11 winter resorts across Europe , the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean .
A fleet of three based aircraft will fly customers to a wide choice of destinations across Mainland Spain , the Canary Islands , the Balearic Islands , Greece , Turkey , Italy , Portugal and Madeira .
Up to 56 flights a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the summer .
Around 450,000 seats will be on sale with the airline 's inaugural flight departing to Lanzarote on April 1 .
The announcement demonstrates the company ’ s long-term ambition to become the leading UK leisure travel business .
It also means significant investment for the region with new roles available for flight and cabin crew , engineers and ground operations staff .
Steve Heapy , chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said : “ The announcement of our 10th UK base reflects our long-term strategy to continue growing our successful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading leisure travel business .
`` It also represents a significant investment in the region , including the creation of at least 200 new jobs . ''
Dave Lees , chief executive at Bristol Airport , added : “ We are delighted to welcome Jet2.com and Jet2holidays to Bristol Airport .
`` This exciting news is a major step towards the future by creating job opportunities , providing significant investment and an increase in the choice of destinations and holidays available to customers in the region . ''
* To find out about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can visit : https : //www.jet2careers.com/

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Hundreds of jobs will be created when airline and tour operator Jet2 opens its 10th UK airport operating base.
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays - which already flies out of Birmingham - will offer flights and holidays from Bristol Airport to 33 summer destinations and 11 winter resorts across Europe, the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean.
A fleet of three based aircraft will fly customers to a wide choice of destinations across Mainland Spain, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Portugal and Madeira.
Up to 56 flights a week will fly out from the airport during the summer.
Around 450,000 seats will be on sale with the airline's inaugural flight departing to Lanzarote on April 1.
The announcement demonstrates the company’s long-term ambition to become the leading UK leisure travel business.
It also means significant investment for the region with new roles available for flight and cabin crew, engineers and ground operations staff.
Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “The announcement of our 10th UK base reflects our long-term strategy to continue growing our successful business and become the UK’s leading leisure travel business.
"It also represents a significant investment in the region, including the creation of at least 200 new jobs."
Dave Lees, chief executive at Bristol Airport, added: “We are delighted to welcome Jet2.com and Jet2holidays to Bristol Airport.
"This exciting news is a major step towards the future by creating job opportunities, providing significant investment and an increase in the choice of destinations and holidays available to customers in the region."
* To find out about joining the award-winning team, interested candidates can visit: https://www.jet2careers.com/


birminghammail--2020-11-11--What tier 4 under new lockdown system will look like from December 2

A tough new Covid tier system looms with possible Tier 4 restrictions introduced from December 2 , according to reports .
Tier 4 measures could effectively close whole regions after lockdown ends on December 2 , it has been reported by The Daily Telegraph .
The current month-long lockdown is due to end on December 2 , with Prime Minister Boris Johnson assuring Brits the country would return to a tier system from that date .
The UK was hit by its deadliest day of the pandemic since May yesterday , with over 500 deaths , including over 60 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 , new measures could see whole regions entered into tiers as part of a simplified and streamlined approach , with a new tier - Tier 4 - introduced .
Tier 4 would likely replicate the current shutdown , with pubs , bars and hotel bars shut , alongside restaurants , except for takeaway purposes .
Households would also be banned from mixing , with non-essential retailers also shut off to customers and consumers .
The source said : “ There is a desire to simplify the system , and having lots of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be confusing .
A region by region approach certainly makes a lot of sense .
“ What we are worried about more than anything else is compliance .
`` It would be better to have a good system that everyone followed than a perfect system that everyone ignored .
“ Lots of people are talking about ignoring the rules over Christmas , so it ’ s clear that fatigue is setting in .
“ We have to design a system that makes sense to people and that they will be willing to @ @ @

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A tough new Covid tier system looms with possible Tier 4 restrictions introduced from December 2, according to reports.
Tier 4 measures could effectively close whole regions after lockdown ends on December 2, it has been reported by The Daily Telegraph.
The current month-long lockdown is due to end on December 2, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson assuring Brits the country would return to a tier system from that date.
The UK was hit by its deadliest day of the pandemic since May yesterday, with over 500 deaths, including over 60 in Birmingham and Midlands hospitals.
From December 2, new measures could see whole regions entered into tiers as part of a simplified and streamlined approach, with a new tier - Tier 4 - introduced.
Tier 4 would likely replicate the current shutdown, with pubs, bars and hotel bars shut, alongside restaurants, except for takeaway purposes.
Households would also be banned from mixing, with non-essential retailers also shut off to customers and consumers.
The source said: “There is a desire to simplify the system, and having lots of different tiers within a relatively small area can be confusing. A region by region approach certainly makes a lot of sense.
“What we are worried about more than anything else is compliance.
"It would be better to have a good system that everyone followed than a perfect system that everyone ignored.
“Lots of people are talking about ignoring the rules over Christmas, so it’s clear that fatigue is setting in.
“We have to design a system that makes sense to people and that they will be willing to follow.”


birminghammail--2020-11-11--Flats plan for old journalism training centre in Wolverhampton

A Grade II listed building in Wolverhampton that served as a training centre for journalists during the 1980s and 90s is to be converted into eight new apartments .
Rock House , in Old Hill , Tettenhall , was for many years the Express & Star newspaper 's external training base , which saw hundreds of journalists passing through its doors - many going on to achieve national success in their field .
In more recent years the former Midland News Association building - which dates back to the 1720s - was occupied by Sharratts Solicitors and latterly by Rock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now Wolverhampton-based Deol Developers Ltd , which specialises in transforming unused or derelict properties , is seeking planning approval to convert the premises into eight one and two-bedroom apartments .
A design and access statement from TNM Architecture that accompanies the plans states : `` The proposed work to change the use from office accommodation to housing will be contained within the existing overall structure and will not entail any external extensions .
`` Due to the existing changes in level and the need to minimise the alterations to the external facades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make significant improvements for safe and convenient access for people with disabilities . ''
The applicants said they had received positive feedback on the proposals which would `` reintroduce life into a building of historical importance which is in need of investment to bring ( it ) back to former glory whilst not falling into disrepair '' .
Development of the site , which currently has 13 parking spaces , will also see this number increased to 21 , with access available to Tettenhall Road .
The house , a five-bay red brick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was built by Francis Smith between 1720-30 .
In 1920 the annexe was donated to the Roman Catholic Church for use as a chapel and community centre until 1965 .
By the early 1970s the building had been left empty for a number of years and was extensively vandalised and almost derelict before being restored with the aid of an improvement grant .
It was later acquired by Midland News Association for use as a training facility .
A heritage and archaeology report conducted by Crestwood Environmental Ltd - also submitted with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete staircase is showing signs of age and heavy use , possibly associated with Rock House being used as commercial premises .
`` The main staircase is typical of a building of this period in the sense that it is located to the rear of the property and originally accessed from the main hall . ''
In its report , DEOL Developments Ltd added : `` The proposals also seek to reinstate the basement windows to Old Hill , which have been blocked up when the ground levels have been raised in previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the special architectural and historical interest of the building , including its setting , will not be adversely affected by the change of use . ''
Wolverhampton City Council planners are yet to approve the proposals .

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A Grade II listed building in Wolverhampton that served as a training centre for journalists during the 1980s and 90s is to be converted into eight new apartments.
Rock House, in Old Hill, Tettenhall, was for many years the Express & Star newspaper's external training base, which saw hundreds of journalists passing through its doors - many going on to achieve national success in their field.
In more recent years the former Midland News Association building - which dates back to the 1720s - was occupied by Sharratts Solicitors and latterly by Rock House Dental Practice, before becoming vacant.
Now Wolverhampton-based Deol Developers Ltd, which specialises in transforming unused or derelict properties, is seeking planning approval to convert the premises into eight one and two-bedroom apartments.
A design and access statement from TNM Architecture that accompanies the plans states: "The proposed work to change the use from office accommodation to housing will be contained within the existing overall structure and will not entail any external extensions.
"Due to the existing changes in level and the need to minimise the alterations to the external facades, it has not been feasible to make significant improvements for safe and convenient access for people with disabilities."
The applicants said they had received positive feedback on the proposals which would "reintroduce life into a building of historical importance which is in need of investment to bring (it) back to former glory whilst not falling into disrepair".
Development of the site, which currently has 13 parking spaces, will also see this number increased to 21, with access available to Tettenhall Road.
The house, a five-bay red brick building originally providing accommodation over three floors, was built by Francis Smith between 1720-30. In 1920 the annexe was donated to the Roman Catholic Church for use as a chapel and community centre until 1965.
By the early 1970s the building had been left empty for a number of years and was extensively vandalised and almost derelict before being restored with the aid of an improvement grant. It was later acquired by Midland News Association for use as a training facility.
A heritage and archaeology report conducted by Crestwood Environmental Ltd - also submitted with the application - said: "The complete staircase is showing signs of age and heavy use, possibly associated with Rock House being used as commercial premises.
"The main staircase is typical of a building of this period in the sense that it is located to the rear of the property and originally accessed from the main hall."
In its report, DEOL Developments Ltd added: "The proposals also seek to reinstate the basement windows to Old Hill, which have been blocked up when the ground levels have been raised in previous alterations.
"The design work demonstrates that the special architectural and historical interest of the building, including its setting, will not be adversely affected by the change of use."
Wolverhampton City Council planners are yet to approve the proposals.


birminghammail--2020-11-11--This Morning blasted after two minutes Remembrance Day silence interrupted

This Morning sparked outrage today - after someone spoke over the two-minute Remembrance Day silence .
The ITV daytime favourite caused uproar after somebody was heard interrupting the 120 seconds of quiet `` because their clock was fast '' , It happened during a touching segment showing the silence at a number of cities across the country .
But , just one minute in , someone in Belfast started speaking to thank members of the public for joining him .
Phillip Schofield addressed the situation when the camera panned back to the studio , saying the clock in Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far from happy , with many commenting how `` disrespectful '' it was .
`` Ridiculous , '' one commented on Twitter , while a second raged : `` Belfast utterly disrespectful for that . ''
Others were outraged , saying : `` Struggling to see why they ’ d have someone proudly declaring 'it ’ s 2 minutes past 11 ' at 11 o ’ clock exactly on Armistice Day .
Absolutely terrible . ''
Another branded the man in Belfast a `` plank '' .
The Prince of Wales and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observing the two-minute silence as they marked the centenary of the burial of the Unknown Warrior .
Wearing face masks , the couple joined a socially-distanced congregation at Westminster Abbey for a service marking 100 years to the day since the body of the unidentified serviceman was laid to rest .
Among the guests were Prime Minister Boris Johnson , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer , Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and leading figures from the Armed Forces .

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This Morning sparked outrage today - after someone spoke over the two-minute Remembrance Day silence.
The ITV daytime favourite caused uproar after somebody was heard interrupting the 120 seconds of quiet "because their clock was fast",
It happened during a touching segment showing the silence at a number of cities across the country.
But, just one minute in, someone in Belfast started speaking to thank members of the public for joining him.
Phillip Schofield addressed the situation when the camera panned back to the studio, saying the clock in Northern Ireland was fast.
Holly Willoughby, 39, looked solemn and respectful as Phil addressed viewers.
But those watching were far from happy, with many commenting how "disrespectful" it was.
"Ridiculous," one commented on Twitter, while a second raged: "Belfast utterly disrespectful for that."
Others were outraged, saying: "Struggling to see why they’d have someone proudly declaring 'it’s 2 minutes past 11' at 11 o’clock exactly on Armistice Day. Absolutely terrible."
Another branded the man in Belfast a "plank".
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall joined the nation in observing the two-minute silence as they marked the centenary of the burial of the Unknown Warrior.
Wearing face masks, the couple joined a socially-distanced congregation at Westminster Abbey for a service marking 100 years to the day since the body of the unidentified serviceman was laid to rest.
Among the guests were Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and leading figures from the Armed Forces.


birminghammail--2020-11-11--Tributes to Birmingham's 'iconic' ex council leader Theresa Stewart

Tributes have poured in for local politics icon Theresa Stewart , who was Birmingham City Council 's first , and so far only , female leader , who died today .
Mrs Stewart , who was leader of the city council from 1993 to 1999 , was described as an icon , an absolute inspiration , a giant of local politics and a pioneer for women 's equality and representation in a series of tribute messages this morning .
Her son Henry , one of her four children , said she died this morning , aged 90 .
She also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was professor of local government studies at the University of Birmingham - they had celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary earlier this year .
In a touching tribute , Henry recalled how she lived `` a life of principle '' , fighting battles over CND , civil rights and women 's issues , including co-founding Birmingham Pregnancy Advisory Service .
She put up miners and steelworkers at the family home during strikes , met Nelson Mandela and supped tea with the likes of Tony Benn and the wife of Russian leader Boris Yeltsin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current city council leader Ian Ward , who wrote : `` Such sad news .
Theresa was an amazing , inspirational and compassionate woman who made a huge difference to Birmingham and to so many people .
My thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time . ''
Deputy leader Brigid Jones wrote : `` Theresa Stewart , only ever female leader of Birmingham City Council and Labour Cllr of 31 years , has passed away .
An absolute inspiration : she was my Branch Chair , and encouraged me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman .
She will be missed . ''
Former Labour frontbencher and Mother of the House of Commons , Harriet Harman MP , tweeted : `` RIP Theresa .
Sympathy to Henry & family .
She was a pioneer for women ’ s equality & women ’ s representation , a true sister to me & other @ UKLabour women , champion of childcare , always a positive suggestion , never a cross word .
A truly exceptional woman . ''
Theresa has four children , David , Lindsey , Henry and Selina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with another due this week , said Henry .
Born in Leeds in 1930 , Jewish , she grew up in a single parent family and won a scholarship to Oxford University where she studied Maths .
She lived in Edinburgh , London and Doncaster before moving to Birmingham in 1966 .
She briefly worked at Marconi ( the only woman among their new graduates ) and then as a teacher .
Her son Henry wrote a lovely tribute to his mother , which we are happy to share in full below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key moments of her political career .
My mother , Theresa Stewart , has passed away this morning .
She was 90 , it was after a long illness ( not COVID ) and she said she was ready to leave .
I would like to pay tribute to a life of principle .
Theresa was the first , and still the only , female leader of Birmingham City Council from 1993 to 1999 .
Though people outside the West Midlands and not involved in local government may not have heard of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most powerful female politician in the UK in the mid-90s .
Theresa was a feminist , an activist , a socialist and a politician .
She had been a member of the Labour Party for 72 years .
We , her four children , are proud to have been brought up with a lived commitment to social change .
While still in my pram , I was taken on CND demos in the early 60s .
We continued to accompany my mother on demonstrations through the 60s and 70s .
This included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Africa , Rhodesia and the USA to closer to home in Northern Ireland – and issues like a women 's right to choose .
When I went to secondary school , Birmingham still had the eleven-plus .
But it was clear I would go to the comprehensive that was three miles away , Shenley Court , rather than the grammar school at the end of our road .
I am still very grateful for that .
It was a warm and loving home and I never remember my parents arguing .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and decided we didn ’ t like it so we didn ’ t do it again ” , mum explained .
In the summer she and John celebrated 67 years of marriage .
She was elected as a councillor for Billesley in 1970 and was to keep her seat , in a marginal ward , for 31 years .
She said once that she saw her role as a Labour Councillor as `` doing for poor people what lawyers do for rich people . ''
Still , almost 20 years after she stepped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to us and say how much she helped them .
She was active on a range of issues .
She campaigned hard in the 70s to keep the family allowance going to the mother ( and not be turned into tax relief ) , knowing that , for many women , it was the only income they were guaranteed .
As one of the founders of BPAS ( then the Birmingham Pregnancy Advisory Service ) she worked hard to ensure women in Birmingham were able to practise their right to choose .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came to stay with us in Birmingham ( and , later , steelworkers too ) .
I remember them returning triumphant after they successfully blocked the gates at Saltley .
As the most popular local Labour councillor , she reluctantly stood for Parliament in October 1974 and 1979 in the Hall Green constituency .
I have a very fond memory of Tony Benn drinking tea ( using his very big cup ) in our living room .
In 1991 Theresa was suspended from the Labour Group , along with 19 others , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a local children ’ s home .
But in 1993 she was elected by her fellow Labour councillors as the first ever ( and still the only ) female leader of Birmingham City Council , the largest local authority in the UK – with a budget then of £2 billion .
As leader she moved Birmingham Council away from spending on infrastructure and convention centres to a focus on social services and education .
With Tim Brighouse as Director of Education some , such as Mike Tomlinson , say that Birmingham had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 1990s .
Hosting G7 in 1998 , she met with Tony Blair and Bill Clinton and had tea with Mrs Yeltsin .
However it is her photo with Nelson Mandela that has pride of place on her ( and our ) mantelpiece .
In the 2017 General Election , at the age of 87 , she was still distributing leaflets for the Labour Party and for Corbyn , a leader she strongly supported throughout .
She continued as Chair of her local Labour Party ward , Selly Oak , until the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced her to step down .
And she was still there for me , at my lowest points .
My mother led a good life , and brought me and my siblings up to know it was possible , even in politics , to live a life of principle . ''

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Tributes have poured in for local politics icon Theresa Stewart, who was Birmingham City Council's first, and so far only, female leader, who died today.
Mrs Stewart, who was leader of the city council from 1993 to 1999, was described as an icon, an absolute inspiration, a giant of local politics and a pioneer for women's equality and representation in a series of tribute messages this morning.
Her son Henry, one of her four children, said she died this morning, aged 90. She also leaves her husband Prof John Stewart, who was professor of local government studies at the University of Birmingham - they had celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary earlier this year.
(Image: Birmingham Post and Mail)
In a touching tribute, Henry recalled how she lived "a life of principle", fighting battles over CND, civil rights and women's issues, including co-founding Birmingham Pregnancy Advisory Service.
She put up miners and steelworkers at the family home during strikes, met Nelson Mandela and supped tea with the likes of Tony Benn and the wife of Russian leader Boris Yeltsin.
Today's tributes were led by current city council leader Ian Ward, who wrote: "Such sad news. Theresa was an amazing, inspirational and compassionate woman who made a huge difference to Birmingham and to so many people. My thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time."
Deputy leader Brigid Jones wrote: "Theresa Stewart, only ever female leader of Birmingham City Council and Labour Cllr of 31 years, has passed away. An absolute inspiration: she was my Branch Chair, and encouraged me to become a Cllr...an incredible woman. She will be missed."
Former Labour frontbencher and Mother of the House of Commons, Harriet Harman MP, tweeted: "RIP Theresa. Sympathy to Henry & family. She was a pioneer for women’s equality & women’s representation, a true sister to me & other @UKLabour women, champion of childcare, always a positive suggestion, never a cross word. A truly exceptional woman."
(Image: Birmingham Post and Mail)
Theresa has four children, David, Lindsey, Henry and Selina, 10 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, with another due this week, said Henry.
Born in Leeds in 1930, Jewish, she grew up in a single parent family and won a scholarship to Oxford University where she studied Maths.
She lived in Edinburgh, London and Doncaster before moving to Birmingham in 1966.
She briefly worked at Marconi (the only woman among their new graduates) and then as a teacher.
Her son Henry wrote a lovely tribute to his mother, which we are happy to share in full below. His words highlight some of the key moments of her political career.
A son's tribute
My mother, Theresa Stewart, has passed away this morning. She was 90, it was after a long illness (not COVID) and she said she was ready to leave. I would like to pay tribute to a life of principle.
Theresa was the first, and still the only, female leader of Birmingham City Council from 1993 to 1999.
Though people outside the West Midlands and not involved in local government may not have heard of her, it could be argued she was the most powerful female politician in the UK in the mid-90s.
Theresa was a feminist, an activist, a socialist and a politician. She had been a member of the Labour Party for 72 years.
We, her four children, are proud to have been brought up with a lived commitment to social change. While still in my pram, I was taken on CND demos in the early 60s.
We continued to accompany my mother on demonstrations through the 60s and 70s. This included support of civil rights – from South Africa, Rhodesia and the USA to closer to home in Northern Ireland – and issues like a women's right to choose.
When I went to secondary school, Birmingham still had the eleven-plus. But it was clear I would go to the comprehensive that was three miles away, Shenley Court, rather than the grammar school at the end of our road. I am still very grateful for that.
(Image: Birmingham Post and Mail)
It was a warm and loving home and I never remember my parents arguing. “We did argue once, in 1951, and decided we didn’t like it so we didn’t do it again”, mum explained.
In the summer she and John celebrated 67 years of marriage.
She was elected as a councillor for Billesley in 1970 and was to keep her seat, in a marginal ward, for 31 years.
She said once that she saw her role as a Labour Councillor as "doing for poor people what lawyers do for rich people."
Still, almost 20 years after she stepped down as councillor, people come up to us and say how much she helped them.
She was active on a range of issues. She campaigned hard in the 70s to keep the family allowance going to the mother (and not be turned into tax relief), knowing that, for many women, it was the only income they were guaranteed.
As one of the founders of BPAS (then the Birmingham Pregnancy Advisory Service) she worked hard to ensure women in Birmingham were able to practise their right to choose.
In the 1972 and 1974 strikes, miners came to stay with us in Birmingham (and, later, steelworkers too). I remember them returning triumphant after they successfully blocked the gates at Saltley.
As the most popular local Labour councillor, she reluctantly stood for Parliament in October 1974 and 1979 in the Hall Green constituency.
I have a very fond memory of Tony Benn drinking tea (using his very big cup) in our living room.
In 1991 Theresa was suspended from the Labour Group, along with 19 others, for taking a principled stand and opposing cuts to a local children’s home.
But in 1993 she was elected by her fellow Labour councillors as the first ever (and still the only) female leader of Birmingham City Council, the largest local authority in the UK – with a budget then of £2 billion.
As leader she moved Birmingham Council away from spending on infrastructure and convention centres to a focus on social services and education.
With Tim Brighouse as Director of Education some, such as Mike Tomlinson, say that Birmingham had the best schools provision in the country in the 1990s.
Hosting G7 in 1998, she met with Tony Blair and Bill Clinton and had tea with Mrs Yeltsin. However it is her photo with Nelson Mandela that has pride of place on her (and our) mantelpiece.
Contact Me Have you been affected by this story? Get in touch, I'd love to hear from you. I am the Birmingham Mail/Live team's Politics and People Editor and I try shine a light on stories and issues that affect people and communities across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Got a story you want me to investigate, or want to tell me how the proposals or decisions of politicians are affecting you? Let me know, in complete confidence, by emailing jane.haynes@reachplc.com, or send me a Tweet @janerockhouse. You should also sign up for our weekly politics newsletter, which you can do here. Twitter: @janerockhouse Email: jane.haynes@reachplc.com Read more by Jane Haynes HERE
In the 2017 General Election, at the age of 87, she was still distributing leaflets for the Labour Party and for Corbyn, a leader she strongly supported throughout.
She continued as Chair of her local Labour Party ward, Selly Oak, until the age of 88, when her hearing forced her to step down.
And she was still there for me, at my lowest points.
My mother led a good life, and brought me and my siblings up to know it was possible, even in politics, to live a life of principle."


birminghammail--2020-11-11--'Hold managers accountable for workforce diversity' - claim

Lack of diversity among city council appointments could be taken up directly with department heads , an opposition councillor suggested .
Birmingham City Council ’ s cabinet approved a plan to eradicate any race pay gap by 2025 , following the publication of a workforce race equity review .
The review showed black , Asian and minority ethic staff at the council are paid on average £1.18 per hour less than white employees .
When measuring mean hourly pay , black , Asian and minority ethic staff were paid £13.62 per hour while white colleagues were paid £14.80 per hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and minority ethnic staff make up 28 per cent of the council ’ s workforce compared to 42 per cent of the wider population of the city .
White staff make up 43 per cent of the workforce compared to 58 per cent of the city while the ethnicity of 29 per cent of staff is currently unknown .
At today ’ s cabinet meeting , Cllr John Cotton , cabinet member for social inclusion , community safety and equalities , outlined the council ’ s plans for its workforce to become fully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five years .
A report to councillors laid out new and previously announced changes , such as the adoption of the Rooney rule - meaning at least one woman and one ethnic minority candidate will be shortlisted for every vacancy at the authority .
Other plans include ensuring all recruiting managers are trained in recruitment and selection and unconscious bias training , investigating the use of artificial intelligence in recruitment marketing as well as mandatory equalities training for all staff .
Cllr Cotton said : “ The council needs to lead by example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It is I think a very difficult and challenging read and I make no apology that it is .
Frankly , you can not fix a problem unless you acknowledge you have one.
” He said a lack of diversity was most pronounced at senior level of the council ’ s workforce .
“ We have taken a long hard look at ourselves today and said no - this isn ’ t the organisation we want to be , ” he said .
“ We are stepping up to make changes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all levels - reflect the amazing and diverse city that it serves.
” Cllr Jon Hunt ( Lib Dem ) said the report was `` disturbing '' and added : “ What is striking is if you look at the lowest grade , grade one , the very poor success rate of black , Asian and minority ethnic applicants at that level .
“ That may suggest a problem with unconscious bias throughout the organisation .
“ It ’ s important that using short-listing criteria does not lead simply to tokenism .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there may be some process to hold managers accountable for their role in appointments as well .
“ If there is a department or directorate where the success of applicants is very poor , then you get to the point where you have to start talking to individuals and holding them accountable for poor performance in this area .
”

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Lack of diversity among city council appointments could be taken up directly with department heads, an opposition councillor suggested.
Birmingham City Council’s cabinet approved a plan to eradicate any race pay gap by 2025, following the publication of a workforce race equity review.
The review showed black, Asian and minority ethic staff at the council are paid on average £1.18 per hour less than white employees.
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When measuring mean hourly pay, black, Asian and minority ethic staff were paid £13.62 per hour while white colleagues were paid £14.80 per hour.
The review states black, Asian and minority ethnic staff make up 28 per cent of the council’s workforce compared to 42 per cent of the wider population of the city.
White staff make up 43 per cent of the workforce compared to 58 per cent of the city while the ethnicity of 29 per cent of staff is currently unknown.
At today’s cabinet meeting, Cllr John Cotton, cabinet member for social inclusion, community safety and equalities, outlined the council’s plans for its workforce to become fully representative of the city in the next five years.
A report to councillors laid out new and previously announced changes, such as the adoption of the Rooney rule - meaning at least one woman and one ethnic minority candidate will be shortlisted for every vacancy at the authority.
Other plans include ensuring all recruiting managers are trained in recruitment and selection and unconscious bias training, investigating the use of artificial intelligence in recruitment marketing as well as mandatory equalities training for all staff.
Cllr Cotton said: “The council needs to lead by example as an employer in these areas.
“It is I think a very difficult and challenging read and I make no apology that it is. Frankly, you cannot fix a problem unless you acknowledge you have one.”
He said a lack of diversity was most pronounced at senior level of the council’s workforce.
“We have taken a long hard look at ourselves today and said no - this isn’t the organisation we want to be,” he said.
“We are stepping up to make changes to ensure that this council will - at all levels - reflect the amazing and diverse city that it serves.”
Cllr Jon Hunt (Lib Dem) said the report was "disturbing" and added: “What is striking is if you look at the lowest grade, grade one, the very poor success rate of black, Asian and minority ethnic applicants at that level.
“That may suggest a problem with unconscious bias throughout the organisation.
“It’s important that using short-listing criteria does not lead simply to tokenism.
“I just wonder as part of this there may be some process to hold managers accountable for their role in appointments as well.
“If there is a department or directorate where the success of applicants is very poor, then you get to the point where you have to start talking to individuals and holding them accountable for poor performance in this area.”


birminghammail--2020-11-11--Plan for transformation of 'unsafe' Erdington estate praised

Plans for the final stages of a housing development were praised for regenerating an estate which was “ not where anyone would choose to live ” .
Birmingham City Council ’ s cabinet approved the business case for the final 21 homes of the 270-home Abbeyfields development on the site of the former Lyndhurst estate in Erdington .
The plans include two four-person houses for social rent and 19 houses intended to be sold , including four , five , six and seven person buildings .
Previous phases of the former Lyndhurst estate provided a total of 249 new homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 101 homes for sale .
This stage of the development will also include a football pitch and multi-use games area ( MUGA ) , which were agreed at the stage permission was granted to redevelop the site .
During the cabinet meeting today , Cllr Robert Alden ( Con ) , councillor for Erdington , praised the project for rejuvenating a troubled area .
He said : “ I don ’ t think it can be undersold just how important this redevelopment has been for the local area .
“ When I first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you went on to this estate you would find derelict , boarded up buildings .
“ You would find stairwells that were soaked in urine and covered in needles and graffiti .
“ You would find areas that frankly no one would want to go in the daytime let alone night time .
“ What has happened over the last 14 years is a transformation with these buildings firstly demolished and cleared and then rebuilt as good quality housing rather than the frankly substandard accommodation there previously .
“ It ’ s been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the last 14 years - it has been really needed in the area .
“ The community were really clear they wanted this rebuilt as housing - they didn ’ t want to see more made-to-let or flats there as that is what has caused a lot of the issues previously.
” Council leader Cllr Ian Ward ( Lab ) agreed and said : “ I visited the Lyndhurst estate before any development work took place and I have to say it was not a place where anyone would choose to live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just walking around the estate it did not feel like a safe place to live .
“ Not only is [ the transformation ] much needed but it is being done with the local community in that area and not done to them which I think is the absolute right approach .
“ What we have now is a much better housing offer in that location than was ever the case previously on offer in the Lyndhurst estate.
” The business case for the final 18 homes of the 86-home Birchfield development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cabinet members today .
Previously , 68 new homes were built at the site including 53 which were socially-rented properties for the council .
Design and build firm Jessup Brothers are named in the papers to councillors as contractors for Abbeyfields while J Harper & Sons are named in connection with Birchfield .
Outcomes of a public consultation included in the documents show Cllr Mahmood Hussain ( Lab ) , councillor the Birchfield Ward , was supportive of the plans .
The development cost of both projects - due to be completed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million according to the business case provided to cabinet .

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Plans for the final stages of a housing development were praised for regenerating an estate which was “not where anyone would choose to live”.
Birmingham City Council’s cabinet approved the business case for the final 21 homes of the 270-home Abbeyfields development on the site of the former Lyndhurst estate in Erdington.
The plans include two four-person houses for social rent and 19 houses intended to be sold, including four, five, six and seven person buildings.
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Previous phases of the former Lyndhurst estate provided a total of 249 new homes including 148 homes for social rent and 101 homes for sale.
This stage of the development will also include a football pitch and multi-use games area (MUGA), which were agreed at the stage permission was granted to redevelop the site.
During the cabinet meeting today, Cllr Robert Alden (Con), councillor for Erdington, praised the project for rejuvenating a troubled area.
He said: “I don’t think it can be undersold just how important this redevelopment has been for the local area.
“When I first got elected back in 2006, if you went on to this estate you would find derelict, boarded up buildings.
“You would find stairwells that were soaked in urine and covered in needles and graffiti.
“You would find areas that frankly no one would want to go in the daytime let alone night time.
“What has happened over the last 14 years is a transformation with these buildings firstly demolished and cleared and then rebuilt as good quality housing rather than the frankly substandard accommodation there previously.
“It’s been a pleasure working with housing on this over the last 14 years - it has been really needed in the area.
(Image: Google)
“The community were really clear they wanted this rebuilt as housing - they didn’t want to see more made-to-let or flats there as that is what has caused a lot of the issues previously.”
Council leader Cllr Ian Ward (Lab) agreed and said: “I visited the Lyndhurst estate before any development work took place and I have to say it was not a place where anyone would choose to live.
“And even worse than that, just walking around the estate it did not feel like a safe place to live.
“Not only is [the transformation] much needed but it is being done with the local community in that area and not done to them which I think is the absolute right approach.
“What we have now is a much better housing offer in that location than was ever the case previously on offer in the Lyndhurst estate.”
The business case for the final 18 homes of the 86-home Birchfield development in Perry Barr was also approved by cabinet members today.
(Image: Google)
Previously, 68 new homes were built at the site including 53 which were socially-rented properties for the council.
Design and build firm Jessup Brothers are named in the papers to councillors as contractors for Abbeyfields while J Harper & Sons are named in connection with Birchfield.
Outcomes of a public consultation included in the documents show Cllr Mahmood Hussain (Lab), councillor the Birchfield Ward, was supportive of the plans.
The development cost of both projects - due to be completed by 2023 - are projected to be £8.1 million according to the business case provided to cabinet.


birminghammail--2020-11-11--New drive-thru Costa and Greggs plan facing big objection

Ambitious plans to open a new Costa Coffee drive-through and Greggs food store in Wolverhampton are facing possible rejection .
Painting and decorating firm S.J .
Dixon & Son Ltd , one of the oldest family businesses trading in the city , has applied for permission to demolish a series of disused warehouse buildings at its Cleveland Road premises .
If approved , the proposal would see the existing redundant and dilapidated buildings knocked down to make way for a new Costa Coffee drive-through and Greggs bakery , creating 29 full and part-time jobs .
However , the site - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street close to the city centre - is located within the Cleveland Road Conservation Area .
This has raised a number of concerns from local and national conservation groups , who fear the modern development will blight the surrounding area 's historic character .
The conservation area includes the nearby Grade II listed Royal Hospital building , the former Baker ’ s Shoe Factory - also Grade II listed - and the adjacent Dixon ’ s Building which is locally listed .
In a report to the council , Senior Planning Officer Vijay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been received from Historic England , The Victorian Society and All Saints Action Network ( ASAN ) .
Each agreed that the warehouse buildings should be retained and reused differently , possibly for residential accommodation .
The Victorian Society said the existing buildings still contributed to the streetscape and setting of the former Royal Hospital .
Its representation in the council report added : `` Drive-through facilities are a totally unsuitable replacement , creating unwelcome open space with single-storey structures that have no reference to the street frontage .
`` This will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservation area and setting of the adjacent locally listed building and the grade II listed hospital building across the street . ''
Environmental Health said the operating hours applied for - 5am to 11pm seven days a week - would need restricting , and an effective noise barrier to Cleveland Road put in place to protect residents .
A report issued by chartered surveyors Elias Topping , on behalf of S.J .
Dixon & Son Ltd , said : `` The nature of the business has changed and the warehouse buildings are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 years .
`` The existing building survey , prepared by Fusion Building Consultancy , which accompanies this application , confirms that the buildings are subject to numerous health and safety hazards .
`` The survey also confirms the presence of large amounts of pigeon debris , decommissioned services , stockpiles of rubbish and other debris within the buildings and that significant investment would be required to put them into a lettable order .
`` It is expected that the surrounding area will be subject to significant change in the coming years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sustainable location .
Bus stops are located immediately adjacent to the site on both Bilston Road and Cleveland Road .
`` Services are provided to the city centre , together with Wednesfield , West Bromwich , Coseley , Merry Hill and Dudley .
The closest tram stop is located within a 6-8-minute walk of the site , providing services between the city centre and Birmingham , with local stops in between .
`` The key conclusion of the report is that the proposals would cause no harm to the Cleveland Road Conservation Area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused would be outweighed by the benefits of removing derelict and unattractive structures and improving views within and towards the conservation area . ''
However , the council 's report concluded that the development `` would be more apt on a retail park '' , adding : `` The overall planning balance is against the proposed demolition of the buildings and replacement with a drive-through and retail unit .
`` Collectively , the total loss of the existing buildings and replacement with ( an ) inappropriate development causes material harm to the character @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Wolverhampton City Council 's planning committee will discuss the application next Tuesday , November 17 .

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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
Ambitious plans to open a new Costa Coffee drive-through and Greggs food store in Wolverhampton are facing possible rejection.
Painting and decorating firm S.J. Dixon & Son Ltd, one of the oldest family businesses trading in the city, has applied for permission to demolish a series of disused warehouse buildings at its Cleveland Road premises.
If approved, the proposal would see the existing redundant and dilapidated buildings knocked down to make way for a new Costa Coffee drive-through and Greggs bakery, creating 29 full and part-time jobs.
However, the site - which also borders Bilston Road and Hospital Street close to the city centre - is located within the Cleveland Road Conservation Area.
This has raised a number of concerns from local and national conservation groups, who fear the modern development will blight the surrounding area's historic character.
The conservation area includes the nearby Grade II listed Royal Hospital building, the former Baker’s Shoe Factory - also Grade II listed - and the adjacent Dixon’s Building which is locally listed.
In a report to the council, Senior Planning Officer Vijay Kaul said objections to the proposals had been received from Historic England, The Victorian Society and All Saints Action Network (ASAN).
Each agreed that the warehouse buildings should be retained and reused differently, possibly for residential accommodation. The Victorian Society said the existing buildings still contributed to the streetscape and setting of the former Royal Hospital.
Its representation in the council report added: "Drive-through facilities are a totally unsuitable replacement, creating unwelcome open space with single-storey structures that have no reference to the street frontage.
"This will have a negative impact on the very urban conservation area and setting of the adjacent locally listed building and the grade II listed hospital building across the street."
Environmental Health said the operating hours applied for - 5am to 11pm seven days a week - would need restricting, and an effective noise barrier to Cleveland Road put in place to protect residents.
A report issued by chartered surveyors Elias Topping, on behalf of S.J. Dixon & Son Ltd, said: "The nature of the business has changed and the warehouse buildings are now redundant, having been vacant for over 12 years.
"The existing building survey, prepared by Fusion Building Consultancy, which accompanies this application, confirms that the buildings are subject to numerous health and safety hazards.
"The survey also confirms the presence of large amounts of pigeon debris, decommissioned services, stockpiles of rubbish and other debris within the buildings and that significant investment would be required to put them into a lettable order.
"It is expected that the surrounding area will be subject to significant change in the coming years. The site is located in a highly sustainable location. Bus stops are located immediately adjacent to the site on both Bilston Road and Cleveland Road.
"Services are provided to the city centre, together with Wednesfield, West Bromwich, Coseley, Merry Hill and Dudley. The closest tram stop is located within a 6-8-minute walk of the site, providing services between the city centre and Birmingham, with local stops in between.
"The key conclusion of the report is that the proposals would cause no harm to the Cleveland Road Conservation Area. The very small amount of harm caused would be outweighed by the benefits of removing derelict and unattractive structures and improving views within and towards the conservation area."
However, the council's report concluded that the development "would be more apt on a retail park", adding: "The overall planning balance is against the proposed demolition of the buildings and replacement with a drive-through and retail unit.
"Collectively, the total loss of the existing buildings and replacement with (an) inappropriate development causes material harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area."
Wolverhampton City Council's planning committee will discuss the application next Tuesday, November 17.


birminghammail--2020-11-11--NHS to announce details of coronavirus vaccine rollout NEXT week

The NHS will give details of its vaccine rollout NEXT WEEK , according to Jonathan Van Tam at a Downing Street press briefing today .
England 's Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Van Tam said we could expect an update on the roll out scheme next week - but GPs have said they 'll need more support .
England 's Deputy Chief Medical Officer told Downing Street : “ We need speed and high uptake to get the big win here.
” There will be an NHS briefing next week on plans for rollout , he said , and would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving out details .
But he said obvious questions include whether there is sufficient refrigeration capacity , transport systems are adequate and if there are enough needles and syringes .
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said he would be willing to work some evenings and weekends to deliver a coronavirus vaccine himself .
The deputy chief medical officer for England said : `` This is one of the most important , if not the most important , vaccination programme we 've done for decades .
`` And from that perspective I do n't mind telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home ; if I can help with this in some evenings and weekends doing some extra vaccinations sessions myself then I 'm going to .
`` That 's a given if I can get on the list and be useful . ''
Mr Van-Tam said that he is `` very reassured '' that the NHS would be able to deliver the `` mammoth challenge '' to roll out a coronavirus vaccine .
The deputy chief medical officer for England said : `` It 's a mammoth challenge .

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The NHS will give details of its vaccine rollout NEXT WEEK, according to Jonathan Van Tam at a Downing Street press briefing today.
England's Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Van Tam said we could expect an update on the roll out scheme next week - but GPs have said they'll need more support.
England's Deputy Chief Medical Officer told Downing Street: “We need speed and high uptake to get the big win here.”
There will be an NHS briefing next week on plans for rollout, he said, and would not “steal their thunder” by giving out details.
But he said obvious questions include whether there is sufficient refrigeration capacity, transport systems are adequate and if there are enough needles and syringes.
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said he would be willing to work some evenings and weekends to deliver a coronavirus vaccine himself.
The deputy chief medical officer for England said: "This is one of the most important, if not the most important, vaccination programme we've done for decades.
"And from that perspective I don't mind telling you I've had the conversation at home; if I can help with this in some evenings and weekends doing some extra vaccinations sessions myself then I'm going to.
"That's a given if I can get on the list and be useful."
Mr Van-Tam said that he is "very reassured" that the NHS would be able to deliver the "mammoth challenge" to roll out a coronavirus vaccine.
The deputy chief medical officer for England said: "It's a mammoth challenge.


birminghammail--2020-11-11--Saka reacts to 3-0 Villa mauling and lauds 'amazing' Grealish

Arsenal 's Bukayo Saka was most impressed by Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish during England training .
Saka and Grealish have linked up with the Three Lions ahead of games against the Republic of Ireland , Belgium and Iceland this month .
Saka was given the run-around by Grealish in Arsenal 's 3-0 defeat to Villa on Sunday night , with the youngster scoring an own goal and Ollie Watkins bagging a brace .
Fortunately for Saka he and Grealish are on the same team for the next three matches the highly-rated youngster has been left impressed by the Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw at the Emirates Stadium .
Highly-rated 19 year-old Saka , who was given a new contract in the summer , has praised Grealish in an interview ahead of the Ireland game on Thursday night .
`` When I came here the first time he was the player who impressed me the most in training .
`` Before we played against Villa at the weekend we analysed him and picked him out as one of their main threats and he showed it in the game .
`` He was amazing from start to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be good to play with him and not against him this week . ''
Saka is n't the only Premier League player to have been left impressed by Grealish , with England team-mate Mason Mount praising the 25 year-old for his fine form this season .
There has been talk of a rivalry for a spot in Gareth Southgate 's first-team setup but Mount has dismissed that .
`` I 'd never look at it as a rivalry , '' the Chelsea star said .
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
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Google Play Store and App Store '' We are two different players and we do different things , so I 'd never look at it as a rivalry .
We are two team-mates who play for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do the best for each other , for the team and for the country as well .
We are kind of different players .
We can play in different roles .
I look at the way he 's been playing this season , he 's been unbelievable and we both want to bring that to the next three games coming up . ''

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Arsenal's Bukayo Saka was most impressed by Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish during England training.
Saka and Grealish have linked up with the Three Lions ahead of games against the Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Iceland this month.
Saka was given the run-around by Grealish in Arsenal's 3-0 defeat to Villa on Sunday night, with the youngster scoring an own goal and Ollie Watkins bagging a brace.
Fortunately for Saka he and Grealish are on the same team for the next three matches the highly-rated youngster has been left impressed by the Villa skipper and not just by what he saw at the Emirates Stadium.
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Highly-rated 19 year-old Saka, who was given a new contract in the summer, has praised Grealish in an interview ahead of the Ireland game on Thursday night.
"He's a top player," Saka said of Grealish.
"When I came here the first time he was the player who impressed me the most in training.
"Before we played against Villa at the weekend we analysed him and picked him out as one of their main threats and he showed it in the game.
"He was amazing from start to finish, so it’s going to be good to play with him and not against him this week."
Saka isn't the only Premier League player to have been left impressed by Grealish, with England team-mate Mason Mount praising the 25 year-old for his fine form this season.
There has been talk of a rivalry for a spot in Gareth Southgate's first-team setup but Mount has dismissed that.
"I'd never look at it as a rivalry," the Chelsea star said.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
"We are two different players and we do different things, so I'd never look at it as a rivalry. We are two team-mates who play for the same country.
"We want to do the best for each other, for the team and for the country as well. We are kind of different players. We can play in different roles. I look at the way he's been playing this season, he's been unbelievable and we both want to bring that to the next three games coming up."