birminghammail--2020-08-17--Fear and inequality contributed to Black and Asian deaths from Covid19 - report

Harrowing testimonies from bereaved relatives and frontline workers have revealed the shocking impact of coronavirus on Black and Asian people in Birmingham and the Black Country .
A `` perfect storm '' of factors - including discrimination , fear , poorly funded local services and badly communicated health messages - meant families of Black , Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds suffered `` unequally '' when the pandemic struck , a regional taskforce found .
Worse , they found much of the pain endured was `` avoidable '' .
Today the taskforce , led by city MP Liam Byrne , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which drew on live testimonies from families , expert witnesses and an analysis of data .
Now the Government , health chiefs and politicians have been urged to act fast on a 35-point action plan to ensure a second wave does not bring with it more heartbreak , inequality and deaths .
`` This is an urgent medical emergency , '' said Mr Byrne , citing Dr Nigel Sturrock , regional medical director for the NHS .
Their 42-page report was this morning presented to Government ministers , MPs , NHS and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andy Street .
• Fear of unequal treatment , fear the NHS would not help them , and fear of conspiracy theories deterred some people of colour from seeking help .
Many 'suffered in silence ' and delayed seeking care as ingrained fear and rumour spread .
Others were not confident their fears would be addressed ; and this caused a stigma that persists among some Black and Asian people around a Covid diagnosis on death certificates .
• Public health messages were poorly communicated to BAME communities , leaving misinformation to circulate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and in English , when many of those most at risk were in their 70s and 80s and could not always access digital messages or understand English easily .
• Families felt voiceless - they weren ’ t heard in the NHS on visiting rights , condition updates and Do Not Resuscitate plans .
Many had to “ pull strings ” to visit dying loved ones , relying on family contacts .
• Groups working for long term health conditions among BAME communities have been chronically underfunded - they could have helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traditions for grieving have created significant mental health risks among all communities , with people of faith reporting particular distress • BAME frontline workers reported inadequate PPE , sometimes having to make it themselves .
• A clear strategy on supporting BAME communities was not communicated effectively • Data to track the impact of COVID is unavailable , particularly ethnicity coding in death certificates • The NHS and social care systems were overwhelmed , despite the efforts of frontline staff .
Non Covid patients were unprotected on wards with Covid patients ; and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 111 or getting information about relatives • Confidence that change will come is low to non-existent .
That ’ s why an action plan is vital They are now calling for a formal , judge-led independent public inquiry into the issue .
* add `` aching across the body '' as a vital sign of coronavirus to the list of symptoms that should trigger testing , based on the experiences of people of colour * ensure ethnicity data is included on all death certificates * give public health directors full access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household information * provide emergency extra resources to reverse cuts to public health funding now , with resources distributed based on health inequalities and diversity * ensure all frontline workers - health , transport , hospitality and other settings - are properly risk assessed * set up a research and development unit focussed on ethnicity in Covid deaths , at regional and national level , overseen by MPs The taskforce also calls on West Midlands Mayor Andy Street to fight for the changes required and to press for resources for research and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant part of the report is devoted to setting out the need for change among NHS and care organisations in the region to better tackle the underlying health inequalities and address the lack of diversity in its own power structures .
The report demands a plan of action is drawn up by regional organisations `` within three months '' to show how they will better reflect the diversity of the region , while also ensuring the issue of health inequalities by dint of ethnicity is a key focus in the year ahead .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ term health conditions including diabetes and sickle cell disease , which often afflict people of BAME origin , says the taskforce .
They also want to see an emergency plan for mental health provision to aid recovery from grief , particularly among children .
The taskforce met for three months and heard hours of first hand testimony from families who lost loved ones to Covid19 .
Among those they heard from were : • a 35-year-old new mum who died after childbirth , never having the chance to hold her newborn son • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her husband and then her best friend while battling the virus herself in hospital - and then learned the pastor who was due to conduct her husband 's funeral had also died • a daughter who lost her beloved father - then had to break the news to her mum , herself poorly from the virus , without being able to hug her as she broke down • a taxi driver who died suddenly , from feeling ill to dying in just 24 hours • a son who said goodbye to his dad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his dad 's hand and holding him close `` as if he was his own '' • a priest at a small church who presided over 15 funerals among his congregation , including four in a week • a son pursing a legal challenge after his bed-bound dad caught Covid-19 inside a care home allegedly taking in Covid-positive hospital patients and short of PPE • a nurse still fighting for answers and medical notes about her brother-in-law 's death at the age of 46 • a son whose mother was 'left on her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for coronavirus , a potentially catastrophic mistake • a grandaughter who lost two Hindi grandparents in quick succession from the virus but has been unable to bury them • the disabled widower who is visiting his wife 's grave daily , unable to accept her death Why were people of Black , Asian and minority ethnic people hit hardest ?
The taskforce investigated why some communities were hit harder by the pandemic here than others .
Medical and scientific analysis and research has already revealed : • Black people are over four times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of the population • People of Bangladeshi and Pakistani origin were more than three times as likely to die • The majority of frontline health workers to die from coronavirus are from BAME backgrounds They found that chronic disease is higher and stubbornly persistent in BAME communities , exacerbating health inequalities .
BAME individuals are less likely to use GP services and more likely to report poor general health than the white British population , according to regional and national data .
The failure to protect key workers exacerbated the risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a disproportionate number of key workers , especially in the NHS and care sector , care agencies , transport including bus and taxi workers and the hospitality industry , said the taskforce .
The risk was especially high for BAME health workers - around six in 10 UK health workers killed by COVID-19 were from the BAME community .
Inequalities in income also exacerbated the risk from COVID-19 .
Yet , despite these inequalities , ethnicity is not collected on death certificates as it has been in Scotland for ten years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has failed to mention the increased risk to BAME individuals .
The data capture system is so inadequate that one council - Sandwell - had to create its own test and trace system because nationally generated data about those testing positive was too slow and too sparse .
Across the region the most diverse areas have suffered the biggest cuts in public health funding .
The three most diverse boroughs in the West Midlands are Birmingham , Wolverhampton , and Sandwell - they have suffered cuts to public health budgets in the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % and 15 % respectively - that compares to average cuts of 5 % .
The work of the task force was today commended by Baroness Doreen Lawrence , who is leading Labour ’ s national inquiry into the impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities , and Marsha de Cordova MP , Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities .
The taskforce was led by Mr Byrne and supported by Councillor Paulette Hamilton ( Birmingham City Council ) , Cllr Sandra Samuels ( Wolverhampton City Council ) , Gurinder Singh Josan ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mahmood MP , Cllr Aftab Nawaz ( Walsall Borough Council ) , Cllr Mohammed Yaseen Hussain ( Sandwell Borough Council ) and Taiwo Owatemi MP .
The West Midlands inquiry feeds into a wider review by Labour which is headed by Baroness Doreen Lawrence into the impact of Coronavirus on black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) communities makes numerous recommendations that need to be urgently looked at with the fear of a second wave looming .
Baroness Lawrence - mother of murdered teen Stephen - said : “ The findings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in black , Asian and minority ethnic Covid-19 in the West Midlands is deeply worrying .
`` The testimony of those that have lost loved ones are distressing and lessons need to be learned , so that further people from black , Asian and minority ethnic populations are not put at risk of dying .
“ If we are going to effectively address the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 , we must eradicate the systemic inequalities that it thrives on .
My wider review for Labour will be taking this inquiry ’ s findings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Byrne and the co-chairs of this inquiry in collating , highlighting and raising matters which are of a grave importance to all of our communities , and I will take this work forward to ensure it gets all the attention it deserves .
“ The Government will be held to account for its failings and we will not sit by idly , while lives remain at risk.
” Marsha de Cordova MP , Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities , said : “ This report reinforces what we already know about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led to the Covid-19 pandemic hitting Black , Asian and minority ethnic communities across the UK so very hard , no less so in the West Midlands .
`` Many Black , Asian and minority ethnic workers have been on the frontline throughout , as key workers , serving selflessly in the fight against coronavirus and to keep essential services running ; they are saving lives and keeping our country going .
`` The Government has had repeated warnings , repeated reports , repeated recommendations and yet has still consistently failed to act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcome this report and thank all in the team who worked so hard to gather these invaluable insights.
” Mr Byrne , Labour ’ s candidate for West Midlands Mayor at next year 's election , said : “ Without doubt , the evidence we heard from families was the most harrowing and distressing that any of us have heard in public life .
`` We heard about families holding back from seeking help because they were worried about the care they would receive .
`` We heard about BAME workers on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or having to ‘ pull strings ’ to visit dying loved ones .
`` And now there is a significant risk of ongoing trauma and mental health issues , because so many have lost loved ones , without the normal traditions of being able to say goodbye .
`` We heard from front line medical staff who saw for themselves how the system was overwhelmed with little regard to communicating with the minority groups or understanding their specific needs .
“ The lack of personal protective equipment in the early stages led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves and passing Covid-19 onto their families .
`` ‘ Yet despite the perfect storm of health inequalities , the lack of PPE for the frontline , and underfunding of groups supporting those with long term health conditions , the most diverse West Midlands communities has suffered the biggest cuts to public health funding - and we still don ’ t have the ethnicity data we need on death certificates or testing results to be able to track risks in the future . ''
He added : `` The government must now call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and I ’ ll presenting this report to the House of Commons to demand they get on with it . ''

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Harrowing testimonies from bereaved relatives and frontline workers have revealed the shocking impact of coronavirus on Black and Asian people in Birmingham and the Black Country.
A "perfect storm" of factors - including discrimination, fear, poorly funded local services and badly communicated health messages - meant families of Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds suffered "unequally" when the pandemic struck, a regional taskforce found.
Worse, they found much of the pain endured was "avoidable".
Today the taskforce, led by city MP Liam Byrne, has revealed the findings of its three-month probe, which drew on live testimonies from families, expert witnesses and an analysis of data.
Now the Government, health chiefs and politicians have been urged to act fast on a 35-point action plan to ensure a second wave does not bring with it more heartbreak, inequality and deaths.
"This is an urgent medical emergency," said Mr Byrne, citing Dr Nigel Sturrock, regional medical director for the NHS.
Their 42-page report was this morning presented to Government ministers, MPs, NHS and social care leaders and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street.
What the taskforce found
Fear of unequal treatment, fear the NHS would not help them, and fear of conspiracy theories deterred some people of colour from seeking help. Many 'suffered in silence' and delayed seeking care as ingrained fear and rumour spread. Others were not confident their fears would be addressed; and this caused a stigma that persists among some Black and Asian people around a Covid diagnosis on death certificates.
Public health messages were poorly communicated to BAME communities, leaving misinformation to circulate. Much Government information was shared digitally, and in English, when many of those most at risk were in their 70s and 80s and could not always access digital messages or understand English easily.
Families felt voiceless - they weren’t heard in the NHS on visiting rights, condition updates and Do Not Resuscitate plans. Many had to “pull strings” to visit dying loved ones, relying on family contacts.
Groups working for long term health conditions among BAME communities have been chronically underfunded - they could have helped to disseminate health messages
Disruption to traditions for grieving have created significant mental health risks among all communities, with people of faith reporting particular distress
BAME frontline workers reported inadequate PPE, sometimes having to make it themselves.
A clear strategy on supporting BAME communities was not communicated effectively
Data to track the impact of COVID is unavailable, particularly ethnicity coding in death certificates
The NHS and social care systems were overwhelmed, despite the efforts of frontline staff. Non Covid patients were unprotected on wards with Covid patients; and there were long delays in getting through to 111 or getting information about relatives
Confidence that change will come is low to non-existent. That’s why an action plan is vital
They are now calling for a formal, judge-led independent public inquiry into the issue.
Other action points include:
* add "aching across the body" as a vital sign of coronavirus to the list of symptoms that should trigger testing, based on the experiences of people of colour
* ensure ethnicity data is included on all death certificates
* give public health directors full access to all testing data , including ethnicity and household information
* provide emergency extra resources to reverse cuts to public health funding now, with resources distributed based on health inequalities and diversity
* work urgently to rebuild trust in communities
* ensure all frontline workers - health, transport, hospitality and other settings - are properly risk assessed
* set up a research and development unit focussed on ethnicity in Covid deaths, at regional and national level, overseen by MPs
The taskforce also calls on West Midlands Mayor Andy Street to fight for the changes required and to press for resources for research and other work to address health inequalities.
A significant part of the report is devoted to setting out the need for change among NHS and care organisations in the region to better tackle the underlying health inequalities and address the lack of diversity in its own power structures.
The report demands a plan of action is drawn up by regional organisations "within three months" to show how they will better reflect the diversity of the region, while also ensuring the issue of health inequalities by dint of ethnicity is a key focus in the year ahead.
Work also needs to focus on long term health conditions including diabetes and sickle cell disease, which often afflict people of BAME origin, says the taskforce.
They also want to see an emergency plan for mental health provision to aid recovery from grief, particularly among children.
The taskforce met for three months and heard hours of first hand testimony from families who lost loved ones to Covid19.
Among those they heard from were:
a 35-year-old new mum who died after childbirth, never having the chance to hold her newborn son
a pastor's wife who lost first her husband and then her best friend while battling the virus herself in hospital - and then learned the pastor who was due to conduct her husband's funeral had also died
a daughter who lost her beloved father - then had to break the news to her mum, herself poorly from the virus, without being able to hug her as she broke down
a taxi driver who died suddenly, from feeling ill to dying in just 24 hours
a son who said goodbye to his dad via WhatsApp while a doctor sat stroking his dad's hand and holding him close "as if he was his own"
a priest at a small church who presided over 15 funerals among his congregation, including four in a week
a son pursing a legal challenge after his bed-bound dad caught Covid-19 inside a care home allegedly taking in Covid-positive hospital patients and short of PPE
a nurse still fighting for answers and medical notes about her brother-in-law's death at the age of 46
a son whose mother was 'left on her stomach for too long' during treatment for coronavirus, a potentially catastrophic mistake
a grandaughter who lost two Hindi grandparents in quick succession from the virus but has been unable to bury them
the disabled widower who is visiting his wife's grave daily, unable to accept her death
Why were people of Black, Asian and minority ethnic people hit hardest?
The taskforce investigated why some communities were hit harder by the pandemic here than others.
Medical and scientific analysis and research has already revealed:
Black people are over four times as likely to die from COVID-19 as the rest of the population
People of Bangladeshi and Pakistani origin were more than three times as likely to die
The majority of frontline health workers to die from coronavirus are from BAME backgrounds
They found that chronic disease is higher and stubbornly persistent in BAME communities, exacerbating health inequalities.
BAME individuals are less likely to use GP services and more likely to report poor general health than the white British population, according to regional and national data.
The failure to protect key workers exacerbated the risk to the BAME community because they make up a disproportionate number of key workers, especially in the NHS and care sector, care agencies, transport including bus and taxi workers and the hospitality industry, said the taskforce.
The risk was especially high for BAME health workers - around six in 10 UK health workers killed by COVID-19 were from the BAME community.
Inequalities in income also exacerbated the risk from COVID-19.
Yet, despite these inequalities, ethnicity is not collected on death certificates as it has been in Scotland for ten years, while the Government’s testing strategy has failed to mention the increased risk to BAME individuals.
The data capture system is so inadequate that one council - Sandwell - had to create its own test and trace system because nationally generated data about those testing positive was too slow and too sparse.
Across the region the most diverse areas have suffered the biggest cuts in public health funding. The three most diverse boroughs in the West Midlands are Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Sandwell - they have suffered cuts to public health budgets in the last five years of 9%, 8% and 15% respectively - that compares to average cuts of 5%.
Praise for taskforce
The work of the task force was today commended by Baroness Doreen Lawrence, who is leading Labour’s national inquiry into the impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities, and Marsha de Cordova MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities.
The taskforce was led by Mr Byrne and supported by Councillor Paulette Hamilton (Birmingham City Council), Cllr Sandra Samuels (Wolverhampton City Council), Gurinder Singh Josan (NEC The Labour Party), Khalid Mahmood MP,Cllr Aftab Nawaz (Walsall Borough Council), Cllr Mohammed Yaseen Hussain (Sandwell Borough Council) and Taiwo Owatemi MP.
The West Midlands inquiry feeds into a wider review by Labour which is headed by Baroness Doreen Lawrence into the impact of Coronavirus on black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities makes numerous recommendations that need to be urgently looked at with the fear of a second wave looming.
Baroness Lawrence - mother of murdered teen Stephen - said: “The findings from this inquiry into Covid-19 related deaths in black, Asian and minority ethnic Covid-19 in the West Midlands is deeply worrying.
"The testimony of those that have lost loved ones are distressing and lessons need to be learned, so that further people from black, Asian and minority ethnic populations are not put at risk of dying.
“If we are going to effectively address the disproportionate impact of Covid-19, we must eradicate the systemic inequalities that it thrives on. My wider review for Labour will be taking this inquiry’s findings into account.
“I commend Liam Byrne and the co-chairs of this inquiry in collating, highlighting and raising matters which are of a grave importance to all of our communities, and I will take this work forward to ensure it gets all the attention it deserves.
“The Government will be held to account for its failings and we will not sit by idly, while lives remain at risk.”
Marsha de Cordova MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities, said: “This report reinforces what we already know about the structural and racial inequalities which have led to the Covid-19 pandemic hitting Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities across the UK so very hard, no less so in the West Midlands.
"Many Black, Asian and minority ethnic workers have been on the frontline throughout, as key workers, serving selflessly in the fight against coronavirus and to keep essential services running; they are saving lives and keeping our country going.
"The Government has had repeated warnings, repeated reports, repeated recommendations and yet has still consistently failed to act in a timely manner.
"I welcome this report and thank all in the team who worked so hard to gather these invaluable insights.”
Mr Byrne, Labour’s candidate for West Midlands Mayor at next year's election, said: “Without doubt, the evidence we heard from families was the most harrowing and distressing that any of us have heard in public life.
"We heard about families holding back from seeking help because they were worried about the care they would receive.
"We heard about BAME workers on the front-line having to make their own PPE, or having to ‘pull strings’ to visit dying loved ones.
"And now there is a significant risk of ongoing trauma and mental health issues, because so many have lost loved ones, without the normal traditions of being able to say goodbye.
"We heard from front line medical staff who saw for themselves how the system was overwhelmed with little regard to communicating with the minority groups or understanding their specific needs.
“The lack of personal protective equipment in the early stages led to many BAME staff being struck down themselves and passing Covid-19 onto their families.
"‘Yet despite the perfect storm of health inequalities, the lack of PPE for the frontline, and underfunding of groups supporting those with long term health conditions, the most diverse West Midlands communities has suffered the biggest cuts to public health funding - and we still don’t have the ethnicity data we need on death certificates or testing results to be able to track risks in the future."
He added: "The government must now call an independent inquiry to learn this lessons - and I’ll presenting this report to the House of Commons to demand they get on with it."


birminghammail--2020-08-17--Nuno’s transfer plans and the question mark hanging over Wolves

We ’ re almost a week on from the devastating climax to Wolverhampton Wanderers ’ 2019/20 season in Duisburg .
Despite defeat to Sevilla at the MSV-Arena , the pride of reaching the last-eight of a European competition seeped through in the days that followed .
But Sevilla ’ s dominance and Nuno Espirito Santo ’ s inability to stem the flow of attacks from the sidelines highlighted Wolves ’ biggest flaw .
Due to Jonny Castro Otto ’ s knee injury and Daniel Podence ’ s suspension , Wolves headed into their biggest game of the season with just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nuno ’ s preference has always been to work with a smaller group of players , but not one this small and his comments after the game made that crystal clear .
“ If you look at the team that started the game , it ’ s the same , like the first season , ” he said .
“ We made mistakes that we can not repeat .
We need players that can make us stronger , no doubt about it .
“ It ’ s about making good decisions which can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Nuno is referring to two different mistakes .
The first relates to the transfers Wolves completed last summer , of which only Pedro Neto has been a resounding success .
The second is in reference to the late lapses of concentration against Sheffield United , Burnley and Sevilla , which ultimately prevented a good season from becoming a great one .
Nuno will again target the signing of a centre-back , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last two summer transfer windows .
Jesus Vallejo arrived last summer but he never looked like being capable of filling the long-term vacancy beside Conor Coady and Willy Boly .
A striker will also be signed and £23million-rated Braga forward Paulinho has been heavily linked with the club in recent weeks .
Paulinho , 27 , has just enjoyed the best season of his career with 23 goals in 41 games for Braga .
Central midfield players have also been considered and Wolves ’ reported interest in Joao Palhinha is believed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last two seasons on loan at Braga from Sporting and doubts remain over his long-term future in Lisbon .
Wolves are understood to have checked out a number of wing-back options in preparation for this transfer window and Jonny ’ s injury has created a need to strengthen out wide .
The club will again lean on the wisdom and contacts of super-agent Jorge Mendes as they continue to operate without a sporting director following Kevin Thelwell ’ s departure to join New York Red Bulls earlier this year .
Recruiting smartly has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spend big while the world is still coming to terms with the coronavirus pandemic .
“ Coronavirus has impacted already on football and it ’ s going to impact more , as it is impacting every day on our society , '' Nuno said , when addressing the subject recently .
“ Football is part of an industry inside society , so it will have a huge impact regarding the transfer window , the timings , the values , players , transfers , all these things will be new .
So , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepare ourselves .
“ I don ’ t expect big amounts of money will be involved in the transfer window .
Not only in football , in society , there are a lot of things we have to look at , knowing there are a lot of people in need , so it ’ s up for us to make a step forward and help .
All these things are involved.
” The pandemic won ’ t affect the spending of some clubs and there is understandably fears that Wolves ’ stars could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Adama Traore and Raul Jimenez have attracted plenty of attention after their stunning contributions in 2019/20 .
Traore ended the campaign with six goals and a shed load of assists , including a club-record nine in the Premier League .
While Jimenez ’ s 27 goals across all competitions put him among the most prolific marksmen in Europe ’ s top five leagues .
The task of breaking into the top six is already a daunting one , without Traore or Jimenez it could become Mission Impossible .
Like every manager heading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s aim is to retain his best players and add further quality .
If Wolves can manage that they have the tools and ammunition to compete with the Premier League ’ s elite over a 38-game season , if they can ’ t then even treading water to finish seventh again becomes a monumental task .

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Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
We’re almost a week on from the devastating climax to Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 2019/20 season in Duisburg.
Despite defeat to Sevilla at the MSV-Arena, the pride of reaching the last-eight of a European competition seeped through in the days that followed.
But Sevilla’s dominance and Nuno Espirito Santo’s inability to stem the flow of attacks from the sidelines highlighted Wolves’ biggest flaw.
Due to Jonny Castro Otto’s knee injury and Daniel Podence’s suspension, Wolves headed into their biggest game of the season with just 13 players that Nuno trusts implicitly.
Nuno’s preference has always been to work with a smaller group of players, but not one this small and his comments after the game made that crystal clear.
“If you look at the team that started the game, it’s the same, like the first season,” he said. “We made mistakes that we cannot repeat. We need players that can make us stronger, no doubt about it.
“It’s about making good decisions which can help us and stop us making mistakes.”
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Nuno is referring to two different mistakes. The first relates to the transfers Wolves completed last summer, of which only Pedro Neto has been a resounding success.
The second is in reference to the late lapses of concentration against Sheffield United, Burnley and Sevilla, which ultimately prevented a good season from becoming a great one.
Nuno will again target the signing of a centre-back, just as he has in each of the last two summer transfer windows. Jesus Vallejo arrived last summer but he never looked like being capable of filling the long-term vacancy beside Conor Coady and Willy Boly.
A striker will also be signed and £23million-rated Braga forward Paulinho has been heavily linked with the club in recent weeks.
Paulinho, 27, has just enjoyed the best season of his career with 23 goals in 41 games for Braga.
Central midfield players have also been considered and Wolves’ reported interest in Joao Palhinha is believed to be genuine.
Palhinha has spent the last two seasons on loan at Braga from Sporting and doubts remain over his long-term future in Lisbon.
Wolves are understood to have checked out a number of wing-back options in preparation for this transfer window and Jonny’s injury has created a need to strengthen out wide.
The club will again lean on the wisdom and contacts of super-agent Jorge Mendes as they continue to operate without a sporting director following Kevin Thelwell’s departure to join New York Red Bulls earlier this year.
Recruiting smartly has never been more important with Wolves reluctant to spend big while the world is still coming to terms with the coronavirus pandemic.
“Coronavirus has impacted already on football and it’s going to impact more, as it is impacting every day on our society," Nuno said, when addressing the subject recently.
“Football is part of an industry inside society, so it will have a huge impact regarding the transfer window, the timings, the values, players, transfers, all these things will be new. So, as a club, we have to prepare ourselves.
“I don’t expect big amounts of money will be involved in the transfer window. Not only in football, in society, there are a lot of things we have to look at, knowing there are a lot of people in need, so it’s up for us to make a step forward and help. All these things are involved.”
The pandemic won’t affect the spending of some clubs and there is understandably fears that Wolves’ stars could be targeted before the deadline in October.
Adama Traore and Raul Jimenez have attracted plenty of attention after their stunning contributions in 2019/20.
Traore ended the campaign with six goals and a shed load of assists, including a club-record nine in the Premier League.
While Jimenez’s 27 goals across all competitions put him among the most prolific marksmen in Europe’s top five leagues.
The task of breaking into the top six is already a daunting one, without Traore or Jimenez it could become Mission Impossible.
Like every manager heading into a transfer window, Nuno’s aim is to retain his best players and add further quality.
If Wolves can manage that they have the tools and ammunition to compete with the Premier League’s elite over a 38-game season, if they can’t then even treading water to finish seventh again becomes a monumental task.


birminghammail--2020-08-17--The Aston Villa stars with most to prove back at Bodymoor Heath

Aston Villa 's staff and players return to work this week as preparations begin at Bodymoor Heath ahead of the upcoming 2020/21 campaign .
It 's just 26 days until the big kick-off ( September 12 ) while , this week , the fixtures will officially be released ( August 21 ) as Villa 's plan of action for the year ahead will be mapped out .
Back to training matters and , last week , Villa 's first-team stars have been putting themselves through the mill ahead of their return back to base for pre-season .
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Google Play Store and App Store Captain Jack Grealish has been working hard out in Greece , while the likes of Bjorn Engels , Anwar El Ghazi and Mbwana Samatta have all posted training updates on their social media accounts as they gear up for another gruelling season .
With training set to begin again today and tomorrow , here 's a look at the players in Dean Smith 's squad who really need to have a good pre-season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ careers .
The two stoppers were both understudies to Tom Heaton this time last year , while it was Jed Steer who started as Smith 's preferred back-up with the 27-year-old utilised in the early rounds of the Carabao Cup .
Steer , though , snapped his Achilles in a rare Premier League start at Wolves while , upon Heaton 's season-ending injury , it was Orjan Nyland who was given his chance prior to eventually losing his starting shirt to the more experienced Pepe Reina .
This pre-season , though , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 34 , will take some time to get back fully up to speed .
BirminghamLive has also learnt of Villa 's late interest in Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale , which hints at Smith perhaps not being too happy with his current goalkeeping options .
Steer , meanwhile , signed a new contract last summer up until 2023 and , this season , he 'll be hoping for an injury-free year .
Nyland , on the other hand , will see himself as the No.1 at present , yet Smith was quick to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performance in the 1-0 defeat by Wolves , with the Spaniard playing the final six fixtures .
The 29-year-old 's Villa contract expires next summer , though , and he 'll no doubt want assurances as to where his future lies .
Both keepers , though , will have to impress Smith over the next few weeks and put in flawless displays in run-out games behind-closed-doors .
Now here 's a man who had an indifferent first campaign in the Premier League .
Engels started off solid as a rock alongside Tyrone Mings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a flat back four .
Smith , though , went with a back three in the New Year and did n't fancy Engels to play within his new system given his lack of pace .
The Belgian picked up a few niggles last term , too , and was ousted by Ezri Konsa for the run-in , a player who 's vastly-becoming a fan-favourite given his committed and quality displays alongside Mings .
Engels , who did n't feature once throughout Project Restart , is back again after his Achilles injury and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been putting the hours in the gym as he looks to get in better shape than ever before .
The 25-year-old has a real battle on his hands with the ever-improving Konsa now , knowing Smith likes to have a balanced defence consisting of left-footers on one side ( Matt Targett and Mings / Kortney Hause ) and right-footers on the other ( Freddie Guilbert and Konsa / Engels ) .
Engels will use pre-season as a real springboard to get back into the starting XI .
Transfer talk consisting of Said Benrahma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , act as a wake-up call for Villa 's Dutch winger who , for large parts last season , was largely disappointing .
He ended up with four goals and four assists from his 34 Premier League appearances ( 24 starts ) while , in January , was used as a No.9 given Villa 's striker crisis .
Described as Villa 's best finisher in training by captain Grealish , El Ghazi flattered to deceive throughout the Restart and , in the end , lost his starting shirt to Trezeguet .
The ex-Lille @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the goals and assists throughout the next four-week period if he 's to reclaim his place on Smith 's teamsheet .
Transfer talk involving exciting players in his position should be a concern .
The 25-year-old needs to find a new gear and rediscover some of the form shown in the Championship during the promotion year .
The American teenager signed a new two-year contract at Villa Park back in May following his breakthrough year .
Vassilev is highly thought of and did OK during cameo appearances against the likes of Brighton and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him on for the final five and six minutes in respective games against Liverpool and Man United during the Restart which is no time at all to make an impact .
The 19-year-old will now be involved in his first pre-season among the first-team group and he 'll be hoping for more game time in the weeks ahead .
Supporters would like to see more of the youngster , with the Carabao Cup being the ideal competition to develop him further .
Vassilev 's a clever footballer and is left-footed which will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proves himself in the coming weeks .
'Indy ' could well be a surprise package this season while we 'll see what he 's made of in upcoming friendly games .
The £8.5 million arrival was flavour of the month after arriving in January , shown flashes as he chased down lost causes , popped up with a goal at Bournemouth on his Premier League debut and crashed in a diving header at Wembley .
Yet , since then , it has n't really happened for the Tanzanian who 's currently on an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grasp Villa 's lone-striker role and appeared sapped of any confidence throughout the Project Restart - despite Smith keeping faith in him towards the end of the season .
Now Villa are in the market for a big-money No.9 to add much-needed firepower to the ranks and transfer talk of Ollie Watkins and Celtic 's Odsonne Edouard will be unsettling .
Samatta , though , will stay focused and will look to impress heavily over the course of the next four weeks and scoring goals in warm-up games will be a must .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wesley , wo n't be rushed back after his knee ligament tear meaning , as it stands , Samatta 's Villa 's first-choice forward yet , in the coming weeks , one or possibly two players will come in to immediately take that tag away from him .
Again , the 27-year-old is in a real fight now to a : keep his place b : to impress .
Has he got the credentials to score double figures this upcoming campaign ?
It 's questionable .
Samatta needs to turn heads for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the supporters needs mending .

Aston Villa's staff and players return to work this week as preparations begin at Bodymoor Heath ahead of the upcoming 2020/21 campaign.
It's just 26 days until the big kick-off (September 12) while, this week, the fixtures will officially be released (August 21) as Villa's plan of action for the year ahead will be mapped out.
Back to training matters and, last week, Villa's first-team stars have been putting themselves through the mill ahead of their return back to base for pre-season.
Sign up to our Villa newsletter for updates ahead of the transfer deadline Why should you sign up? Villa have enjoyed a fine season so far after signing Ollie Watkins, Betrand Traore, Matty Cash, Emi Martinez and Ross Barkley in the summer. Morgan Sanson is the only January addition so far but there is still time to reshape the squad before the January window closes at 11pm on February 1. You can find the latest transfer news in on one pace - 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 . 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
Captain Jack Grealish has been working hard out in Greece, while the likes of Bjorn Engels, Anwar El Ghazi and Mbwana Samatta have all posted training updates on their social media accounts as they gear up for another gruelling season.
With training set to begin again today and tomorrow, here's a look at the players in Dean Smith's squad who really need to have a good pre-season for the sake of their own Villa careers.
Orjan Nyland & Jed Steer
The two stoppers were both understudies to Tom Heaton this time last year, while it was Jed Steer who started as Smith's preferred back-up with the 27-year-old utilised in the early rounds of the Carabao Cup. Steer, though, snapped his Achilles in a rare Premier League start at Wolves while, upon Heaton's season-ending injury, it was Orjan Nyland who was given his chance prior to eventually losing his starting shirt to the more experienced Pepe Reina.
This pre-season, though, will be huge for both goalkeepers knowing Heaton, 34, will take some time to get back fully up to speed. BirminghamLive has also learnt of Villa's late interest in Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, which hints at Smith perhaps not being too happy with his current goalkeeping options. Steer, meanwhile, signed a new contract last summer up until 2023 and, this season, he'll be hoping for an injury-free year. Nyland, on the other hand, will see himself as the No.1 at present, yet Smith was quick to drop him for Reina after his edgy performance in the 1-0 defeat by Wolves, with the Spaniard playing the final six fixtures. The 29-year-old's Villa contract expires next summer, though, and he'll no doubt want assurances as to where his future lies. Both keepers, though, will have to impress Smith over the next few weeks and put in flawless displays in run-out games behind-closed-doors.
Bjorn Engels
Now here's a man who had an indifferent first campaign in the Premier League. Engels started off solid as a rock alongside Tyrone Mings with the pair forging a decent partnership in a flat back four. Smith, though, went with a back three in the New Year and didn't fancy Engels to play within his new system given his lack of pace. The Belgian picked up a few niggles last term, too, and was ousted by Ezri Konsa for the run-in, a player who's vastly-becoming a fan-favourite given his committed and quality displays alongside Mings.
Engels, who didn't feature once throughout Project Restart, is back again after his Achilles injury and, back in his homeland, has been putting the hours in the gym as he looks to get in better shape than ever before. The 25-year-old has a real battle on his hands with the ever-improving Konsa now, knowing Smith likes to have a balanced defence consisting of left-footers on one side (Matt Targett and Mings / Kortney Hause) and right-footers on the other (Freddie Guilbert and Konsa / Engels). Engels will use pre-season as a real springboard to get back into the starting XI.
Anwar El Ghazi
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Transfer talk consisting of Said Benrahma and Milot Rashica should, you hope, act as a wake-up call for Villa's Dutch winger who, for large parts last season, was largely disappointing. He ended up with four goals and four assists from his 34 Premier League appearances (24 starts) while, in January, was used as a No.9 given Villa's striker crisis. Described as Villa's best finisher in training by captain Grealish, El Ghazi flattered to deceive throughout the Restart and, in the end, lost his starting shirt to Trezeguet. The ex-Lille man will desperately need to be in the goals and assists throughout the next four-week period if he's to reclaim his place on Smith's teamsheet. Transfer talk involving exciting players in his position should be a concern. The 25-year-old needs to find a new gear and rediscover some of the form shown in the Championship during the promotion year.
Indiana Vassilev
The American teenager signed a new two-year contract at Villa Park back in May following his breakthrough year. Vassilev is highly thought of and did OK during cameo appearances against the likes of Brighton and Watford prior to lockdown. Smith chucked him on for the final five and six minutes in respective games against Liverpool and Man United during the Restart which is no time at all to make an impact. The 19-year-old will now be involved in his first pre-season among the first-team group and he'll be hoping for more game time in the weeks ahead. Supporters would like to see more of the youngster, with the Carabao Cup being the ideal competition to develop him further. Vassilev's a clever footballer and is left-footed which will be an asset to Smith - if he proves himself in the coming weeks. 'Indy' could well be a surprise package this season while we'll see what he's made of in upcoming friendly games.
Mbwana Samatta
The £8.5 million arrival was flavour of the month after arriving in January, shown flashes as he chased down lost causes, popped up with a goal at Bournemouth on his Premier League debut and crashed in a diving header at Wembley. Yet, since then, it hasn't really happened for the Tanzanian who's currently on an 11-game goal drought. Samatta struggled to grasp Villa's lone-striker role and appeared sapped of any confidence throughout the Project Restart - despite Smith keeping faith in him towards the end of the season.
Now Villa are in the market for a big-money No.9 to add much-needed firepower to the ranks and transfer talk of Ollie Watkins and Celtic's Odsonne Edouard will be unsettling. Samatta, though, will stay focused and will look to impress heavily over the course of the next four weeks and scoring goals in warm-up games will be a must. The man he came in for, Wesley, won't be rushed back after his knee ligament tear meaning, as it stands, Samatta's Villa's first-choice forward yet, in the coming weeks, one or possibly two players will come in to immediately take that tag away from him. Again, the 27-year-old is in a real fight now to a: keep his place b: to impress. Has he got the credentials to score double figures this upcoming campaign? It's questionable. Samatta needs to turn heads for the right reasons again and his reputation with the supporters needs mending.


birminghammail--2020-08-17--Man and woman attacked with bat as four hurt in petrol station disorder

A man and woman were battered with a bat after a violent disorder at a Black Country petrol station .
The pair , aged 28 and 23 , had to be treated by medics and taken to hospital after the brawl broke out at the BP forecourt in Pedmore Road , Lye , at around 12.30am on Sunday , August 16 .
A 25-year-old woman also sustained a suspected broken wrist after being pushed to the floor by a group of men , a spokesman for the force revealed .
Residents said the area was cordoned off for a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stationed outside the station as urgent enquiries were carried out .
There is not believed to have been any arrests and an investigation continues .
West Midlands Ambulance Service said paramedics were called by police to reports of an assault at the garage .
A spokesman said three ambulances and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene and added : `` Four patients were given treatment on scene after suffering injuries before three were taken to hospital . ''
A spokesman for West Midlands Police also told BlackCountryLive : `` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forecourt on Pedmore Road in Lye , just before 12.30am yesterday ( Sunday , August 16 ) .
`` A man aged 28 and a woman aged 23 were attacked with a bat and were taken to hospital to be treated for injuries , along with a 25-year-old woman who sustained a suspected broken wrist after being pushed to the floor by a group of men .
`` Anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk 8am - midnight or call 101 anytime .
Crimestoppers can be called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime reference 20DY/194486J/20 . ''

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A man and woman were battered with a bat after a violent disorder at a Black Country petrol station.
The pair, aged 28 and 23, had to be treated by medics and taken to hospital after the brawl broke out at the BP forecourt in Pedmore Road, Lye, at around 12.30am on Sunday, August 16.
A 25-year-old woman also sustained a suspected broken wrist after being pushed to the floor by a group of men, a spokesman for the force revealed.
Residents said the area was cordoned off for a number of hours and two police units were stationed outside the station as urgent enquiries were carried out.
There is not believed to have been any arrests and an investigation continues.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said paramedics were called by police to reports of an assault at the garage.
A spokesman said three ambulances and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene and added: "Four patients were given treatment on scene after suffering injuries before three were taken to hospital."
A spokesman for West Midlands Police also told BlackCountryLive : "We are investigating a disorder at a petrol station forecourt on Pedmore Road in Lye, just before 12.30am yesterday (Sunday, August 16).
"A man aged 28 and a woman aged 23 were attacked with a bat and were taken to hospital to be treated for injuries, along with a 25-year-old woman who sustained a suspected broken wrist after being pushed to the floor by a group of men.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk 8am - midnight or call 101 anytime. Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111. Quote crime reference 20DY/194486J/20."


birminghammail--2020-08-17--Police probe 'shooting' after bullets found in street

A city road was transformed into a crime scene as police probed a 'shooting ' after two bullets were found in the street .
Police taped off Faulkners Farm Drive in Upper Witton , Erdington following the shock discovery by a member of the public on Monday afternoon , August 17 .
Officers were seen - and pictured - placing yellow evidence markers and taking photos within the blue and white cordon as enquiries were made .
They also carried out fingertip searches of the scene after a concerned passerby raised the alarm at around 2.15pm .
West Midlands Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be blanks , could have been fired earlier in the morning .
No one is known to have been injured and witnesses are urged to come forward with information as the investigation continues .
A statement from the force read : `` We were called to Faulkners Farm Drive around 2.15pm today ( 17 August ) after a member of the public reported finding two bullets in the street .
`` It 's believed the bullets , which appear to be blanks , could have been fired earlier in the morning but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known to have been hurt and anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat , or by calling 101 , quoting log 2349 of 17th August . ''

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A city road was transformed into a crime scene as police probed a 'shooting' after two bullets were found in the street.
Police taped off Faulkners Farm Drive in Upper Witton, Erdington following the shock discovery by a member of the public on Monday afternoon, August 17.
Officers were seen - and pictured - placing yellow evidence markers and taking photos within the blue and white cordon as enquiries were made.
They also carried out fingertip searches of the scene after a concerned passerby raised the alarm at around 2.15pm.
(Image: Adam Stroud)
West Midlands Police officers believe the bullets, which appear to be blanks, could have been fired earlier in the morning.
No one is known to have been injured and witnesses are urged to come forward with information as the investigation continues.
A statement from the force read: "We were called to Faulkners Farm Drive around 2.15pm today (17 August) after a member of the public reported finding two bullets in the street.
"It's believed the bullets, which appear to be blanks, could have been fired earlier in the morning but enquiries are continuing.
"No-one is known to have been hurt and anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat, or by calling 101, quoting log 2349 of 17th August."


birminghammail--2020-08-17--'We know who you are' - Police warning as family pay tribute to 'gentle' dad

Detectives have urged the men who battered a new father outside a Wetherspoon pub to hand themselves in – as the heartbroken family pay tribute to the 'gentle giant ' .
West Midlands Police said several arrest attempts have already been made after a group were identified following the violent brawl that killed Reece Cox outside The Clifton pub .
Police told BlackCountryLive that the 24-year-old tried to intervene in a fight when he was fatally injured at around midnight on Saturday , August 15 .
He was violently punched and kicked and sadly , despite the efforts of paramedics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A post mortem examination was competed today ( August 17 ) and further tests will be needed to identify the precise cause of death .
A tribute released on behalf of Mr Cox 's heartbroken family reads : `` Reece was a great son , partner and dad ; a gentle giant who was loved by everybody .
We plead with anybody who knows who or where the offenders are to do the right thing and contact the police straight away . ''
Detective Inspector Laura Harrison from the Homicide Unit said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they make arrests .
She added : `` We know who these men are and it ’ s only a matter of time before we make arrests .
I ’ m urging them to get in touch , to come and speak to us , so we can hear their side of the story .
`` We ’ re still working to understand what happened .
It appears there was a dispute over something which quickly escalated with tragic consequences .
`` Anyone found helping these men , providing them with accommodation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around , is committing a criminal offence .
`` A young man has lost his life and everyone should be rallying around to help find the people responsible and bring them to justice . ''
An array of floral tributes - including a Wolves scarf - have been placed on railings outside the pub .
One penned : `` RIP big fella .
Love and thoughts during these sad times . ''
Another said : `` Our hearts go out in Sedgley on your loss of one so young .
Bless you all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public not to share footage of the fight , which was circulating on social media .
Anyone with information can contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk or by calling 101 .
To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .
Please quote crime number 20DY/194445N/20 .

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Detectives have urged the men who battered a new father outside a Wetherspoon pub to hand themselves in – as the heartbroken family pay tribute to the 'gentle giant'.
West Midlands Police said several arrest attempts have already been made after a group were identified following the violent brawl that killed Reece Cox outside The Clifton pub.
Police told BlackCountryLive that the 24-year-old tried to intervene in a fight when he was fatally injured at around midnight on Saturday, August 15.
(Image: WMP)
He was violently punched and kicked and sadly, despite the efforts of paramedics, pronounced dead at the scene.
A post mortem examination was competed today (August 17) and further tests will be needed to identify the precise cause of death.
A tribute released on behalf of Mr Cox's heartbroken family reads: "Reece was a great son, partner and dad; a gentle giant who was loved by everybody. We plead with anybody who knows who or where the offenders are to do the right thing and contact the police straight away."
Detective Inspector Laura Harrison from the Homicide Unit said it was only a matter of time before they make arrests.
She added: "We know who these men are and it’s only a matter of time before we make arrests. I’m urging them to get in touch, to come and speak to us, so we can hear their side of the story.
"We’re still working to understand what happened. It appears there was a dispute over something which quickly escalated with tragic consequences.
(Image: WMP)
"Anyone found helping these men, providing them with accommodation, giving them money or helping them move around, is committing a criminal offence.
"A young man has lost his life and everyone should be rallying around to help find the people responsible and bring them to justice."
An array of floral tributes - including a Wolves scarf - have been placed on railings outside the pub.
One penned: "RIP big fella. Love and thoughts during these sad times."
Another said: "Our hearts go out in Sedgley on your loss of one so young. Bless you all x. Brave man."
Police urged the public not to share footage of the fight, which was circulating on social media.
Anyone with information can contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk or by calling 101. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Please quote crime number 20DY/194445N/20.


birminghammail--2020-08-17--Best times to visit Aldi, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Asda for discounts

Everyone loves a bargain and there is always a certain time of the day when you can expect products to be discounted due to it getting close to its sell by date .
But when do supermarkets , including Aldi , Asda , Sainsbury 's , and Tesco , reduce prices ?
First off , you need to know that yellow stickers on items indicates the price has dropped - sometimes dramatically , sometimes not so much .
But there is a time in the day you could pick up something with a heavily slashed price .
This is mostly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be due to damaged packaging or lines that are being discontinued .
There is usually an entire shelf or section of the supermarket dedicated to these discounted bargains .
These goods often have up to 75 % off full price - brilliant for anyone with lots of freezer space .
When do supermarkets put out the yellow-sticker bargains ?
It can either be first thing in the morning , after lunch and just before closing time - but the biggest discounts are usually just before stores shut .
It can also depend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a complaints expert who blogs at the Grumpy Git , told The Sun online after 1pm is a good time all round for discounts .
If you want discounted sandwiches , another expert known as the `` coupon kid '' - Jordon Cox says between 3pm and 5pm is best .
London restaurant discount site Plate-Deals says the `` absolute best discounts are to be had first thing Sunday morning at all supermarkets . ''
Here 's a rough guide on your road to finding grocery bargains .
Shoppers told MoneySavingExpert.com back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start around 7pm –but you will have to be quick .
They go fast and are completely gone by 9pm .
Complaints expert Scott Dixon told The Sun , Aldi discounts throughout the day at 30 % to 50 % off .
However a MoneySavingExpert.com user told the site in September 2019 that Aldi 's half-price stickers start appearing from 8pm .
Plate-Deals also recommends visiting Morrisons first thing in the morning for the best bargains .
One former Co-op worker told MoneySavingExpert.com items which expire that day tend to have a 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the site if you wait until 8pm there is a good chance of a 75 % discount .
Scott also told The Sun , the discounter often cuts prices by 30 % to 50 % throughout the day .
Between 5pm and 7pm is said to be when you can expect to snap up the best bargains .
Plate-Deals reckons the best Sainsbury 's discounts are to be had around 7pm .
However , it is up to each store managers whether to offer discounts in the first place - as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's yellow-sticker reductions vary in price but generally speaking , the later the better to pick up a bargain .
According to Plate Deals , Waitrose offers yellow-sticker discounts after 6pm , and the best ones are if you stick around half an hour before closing .
Also its worth noting smaller stores offer `` much better reductions '' than bigger branches .

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Everyone loves a bargain and there is always a certain time of the day when you can expect products to be discounted due to it getting close to its sell by date.
But when do supermarkets, including Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury's, and Tesco, reduce prices?
First off, you need to know that yellow stickers on items indicates the price has dropped - sometimes dramatically, sometimes not so much.
But there is a time in the day you could pick up something with a heavily slashed price.
This is mostly due to the sell by date but can be due to damaged packaging or lines that are being discontinued.
There is usually an entire shelf or section of the supermarket dedicated to these discounted bargains.
These goods often have up to 75% off full price - brilliant for anyone with lots of freezer space.
When do supermarkets put out the yellow-sticker bargains?
This can vary.
It can either be first thing in the morning, after lunch and just before closing time - but the biggest discounts are usually just before stores shut.
It can also depend on what you want.
Scott Dixon, a complaints expert who blogs at the Grumpy Git, told The Sun online after 1pm is a good time all round for discounts.
If you want discounted sandwiches, another expert known as the "coupon kid"- Jordon Cox says between 3pm and 5pm is best.
London restaurant discount site Plate-Deals says the "absolute best discounts are to be had first thing Sunday morning at all supermarkets."
Here's a rough guide on your road to finding grocery bargains.
Asda
Shoppers told MoneySavingExpert.com back in July 2017 that final reductions often start around 7pm –but you will have to be quick. They go fast and are completely gone by 9pm.
Aldi
Complaints expert Scott Dixon told The Sun, Aldi discounts throughout the day at 30% to 50% off.
However a MoneySavingExpert.com user told the site in September 2019 that Aldi's half-price stickers start appearing from 8pm.
Morrisons
Plate-Deals also recommends visiting Morrisons first thing in the morning for the best bargains.
Co-op
(Image: Google Maps)
One former Co-op worker told MoneySavingExpert.com items which expire that day tend to have a 50% discount. But according to comments on the site if you wait until 8pm there is a good chance of a 75% discount.
Lidl
Scott also told The Sun, the discounter often cuts prices by 30% to 50% throughout the day.
M&S Food
Between 5pm and 7pm is said to be when you can expect to snap up the best bargains.
Sainsbury's
(Image: PA)
Plate-Deals reckons the best Sainsbury's discounts are to be had around 7pm.
However, it is up to each store managers whether to offer discounts in the first place - as well as deciding the right time.
Tesco
Tesco's yellow-sticker reductions vary in price but generally speaking, the later the better to pick up a bargain.
Waitrose
According to Plate Deals, Waitrose offers yellow-sticker discounts after 6pm, and the best ones are if you stick around half an hour before closing.
Also its worth noting smaller stores offer "much better reductions" than bigger branches.


birminghammail--2020-08-17--Katie Price's message for ex Danny Cipriani after he gets engaged

Katie Price has released a message to ex Danny Cipriani after hearing of his new engagement , reports The Mirror .
Danny announced his engagement to Victoria Rose - who bears more than a passing resemblance to his ex , on Monday ( August 17 ) .
Katie and Danny briefly dated in 2011 .
A representative for the TV star exclusively told Mirror Online : `` Katie wishes Danny and Victoria all the very best .
`` She hopes they have a long and happy marriage . ''
In her 2013 autobiography - titled Love , Lipstick and Lies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walked in on Danny allegedly 'in bed with another woman - after being let into his home by his housemates ' .
The 41-year-old wrote : 'Hiya , ' I said — sounding calm even though I felt anything but .
'Danny , ' I said , sounding more together than I was feeling , ' I want you to know that I forgive you , but I never forget . '
'' Danny penned : `` You make me the happiest man in the world .
I love waking up with you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our personalities is going to arise , and how we fall in love with each other over and over again .
`` You make every day so much better , I can ’ t wait to get home from training every day to see you .
I can ’ t imagine life without you .
You make me want to be the best man i possibly can for you and our family .
`` You are my now wife to be .
I can ’ t wait to marry you in October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best friend , you are so loyal , incredibly intelligent , sexy with so much class .
I learn from you all the time .
`` I will never get complacent , you deserve the greatest love every day .
We could be doing absolutely nothing for days on end as long as I ’ m with you .
My dream of finding the one i never thought would come true .
And it has .
I vow to you I ’ m going to turn up every day .
Love and support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Love you @ rosierosee__ '' .
Danny was introduced to Victoria through friends .
It is understood that like Katie , Victoria is also good friends with reality star Kerry Katona .
Danny was previously in a relationship with model Kelly Brook between 2008 and 2010 before going on to date Katie in 2011 .
Speaking about their brief relationship to The Sun he said : “ When I was younger she was that pin - the hot girl of the moment ... ” Earlier this year he was devastated when former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Danny and tragic Caroline were together for two months in early 2019 .
After their split they remained close so news of her death hit Danny hard .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Susan Knox, Sanjeeta Bains)

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Katie Price has released a message to ex Danny Cipriani after hearing of his new engagement, reports The Mirror.
Danny announced his engagement to Victoria Rose - who bears more than a passing resemblance to his ex, on Monday (August 17) .
Katie and Danny briefly dated in 2011. A representative for the TV star exclusively told Mirror Online : "Katie wishes Danny and Victoria all the very best.
"She hopes they have a long and happy marriage."
In her 2013 autobiography - titled Love, Lipstick and Lies - Katie famously described the moment she walked in on Danny allegedly 'in bed with another woman - after being let into his home by his housemates'.
The 41-year-old wrote: 'Hiya,' I said — sounding calm even though I felt anything but.
'Danny,' I said, sounding more together than I was feeling, 'I want you to know that I forgive you, but I never forget.'"
Danny announced the engagement with a gushing Instagram post.
Danny penned: "You make me the happiest man in the world. I love waking up with you every morning, not knowing which one of our personalities is going to arise, and how we fall in love with each other over and over again.
"You make every day so much better, I can’t wait to get home from training every day to see you. I can’t imagine life without you. You make me want to be the best man i possibly can for you and our family.
"You are my now wife to be. I can’t wait to marry you in October. You’re my lover my best friend, you are so loyal, incredibly intelligent, sexy with so much class. I learn from you all the time.
"I will never get complacent, you deserve the greatest love every day. We could be doing absolutely nothing for days on end as long as I’m with you. My dream of finding the one i never thought would come true. And it has. I vow to you I’m going to turn up every day. Love and support you for the rest of our lives. Love you @rosierosee__".
Danny was introduced to Victoria through friends. It is understood that like Katie, Victoria is also good friends with reality star Kerry Katona.
Danny was previously in a relationship with model Kelly Brook between 2008 and 2010 before going on to date Katie in 2011.
Speaking about their brief relationship to The Sun he said: “When I was younger she was that pin - the hot girl of the moment...”
Earlier this year he was devastated when former girlfriend Caroline Flack died in February.
Danny and tragic Caroline were together for two months in early 2019.
After their split they remained close so news of her death hit Danny hard.


birminghammail--2020-08-17--Corrie’s Faye Windass could help bring down evil granddad Geoff Metcalfe

Corrie 's vile Geoff Metcalfe 's granddaughter could help ensure that he will finally get his comeuppance , The Mirror reports .
In the latest episode - viewers cheered when Geoff 's vile verbal attack on daughter-in-law Sally Metcalfe was overheard by his granddaughter Faye Windass .
Now , fans of the ITV soap are predicting that Faye has seen enough of her granddad 's nasty personality and will now believe that behind bars step-grandmother Yasmeen Metcalfe is telling the truth about him .
Yasmeen is currently awaiting to go on trial for the attempted murder of Geoff after slashing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months of mental abuse at his hands - in a traumatic episode that aired in May .
But it was Geoff who first wielded the weapon while he was tormenting her .
Three months on , his granddaughter Faye has seen the villainous side of Geoff in two separate incidents - and would provide potentially damning testimony if called to the witness stand to give an honest account of what she saw .
And it certainly is n't a glowing character reference .
Earlier this month Faye saw him arguing with ex Elaine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now most recently the teenager witnessed the vile abuse he directed at her step-mum Sally .
Both Sally and Yasmeen 's granddaughter Alya Nazir fear he has killed Elaine - for revealing how she had also been abused by him during their marriage .
Could Faye now feel the same ?
On Friday 's episode she interrupted Geoff as he was in full flow viciously gloating how devoted son Tim had called off his wedding to Sally - due to her taking Yasmeen 's side over Geoff 's .
He was shocked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Horrified Faye swiftly showed him the door .
Now , fans are convinced Faye will realise she has seen what her evil granddad is really like .
On Twitter viewers shared their belief that her eye witness accounts could be play a significant part in exposing his crimes and getting justice for Yasmeen .
One viewer tweeted : `` Now it appears to be Detective Faye on the case in the next few weeks as Geoff is busted by Faye ?
” Another said : “ I really hope that this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Faye has seen how horrible Geoff can be .
Surely Faye cant believe that Yasmeen abused him for all those months .
She has Anna Windass for a mother so unlike Tim she is not delusional # Corrie.
” A third added : “ YES come through FAYE !
She owned her vile Grandad , she can see through him.
” Currently the trial has been postponed due to Yasmeen played by actress Shelley King suffering a heart attack in prison .
Shelley has spoken out about the stress of playing her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real life victims of domestic abuse .
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday , the 64-year-old said : `` Corrie is informing people there is help out there .
It 's such an important issue to tackle — that 's why I love it .
`` A lot of the messages I 've been getting are from people saying , ‘ That 's happening to me ' .
They 're watching the storyline and are now seeking help . ''
Coronation Street airs Mondays , Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30pm on ITV .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Charlotte Tutton, Sanjeeta Bains)

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Corrie's vile Geoff Metcalfe's granddaughter could help ensure that he will finally get his comeuppance, The Mirror reports.
In the latest episode - viewers cheered when Geoff's vile verbal attack on daughter-in-law Sally Metcalfe was overheard by his granddaughter Faye Windass.
Now, fans of the ITV soap are predicting that Faye has seen enough of her granddad's nasty personality and will now believe that behind bars step-grandmother Yasmeen Metcalfe is telling the truth about him.
(Image: ITV)
Yasmeen is currently awaiting to go on trial for the attempted murder of Geoff after slashing him with a knife - after suffering months of mental abuse at his hands - in a traumatic episode that aired in May.
But it was Geoff who first wielded the weapon while he was tormenting her.
Three months on, his granddaughter Faye has seen the villainous side of Geoff in two separate incidents - and would provide potentially damning testimony if called to the witness stand to give an honest account of what she saw.
And it certainly isn't a glowing character reference.
Earlier this month Faye saw him arguing with ex Elaine - who then mysteriously disappeared.
And now most recently the teenager witnessed the vile abuse he directed at her step-mum Sally.
Both Sally and Yasmeen's granddaughter Alya Nazir fear he has killed Elaine - for revealing how she had also been abused by him during their marriage.
Could Faye now feel the same?
On Friday's episode she interrupted Geoff as he was in full flow viciously gloating how devoted son Tim had called off his wedding to Sally - due to her taking Yasmeen's side over Geoff's.
He was shocked to see Faye had heard his cruel insults. Horrified Faye swiftly showed him the door.
Now, fans are convinced Faye will realise she has seen what her evil granddad is really like.
On Twitter viewers shared their belief that her eye witness accounts could be play a significant part in exposing his crimes and getting justice for Yasmeen.
(Image: ITV)
One viewer tweeted: "Now it appears to be Detective Faye on the case in the next few weeks as Geoff is busted by Faye ?”
Another said: “I really hope that this is the beginning of Geoff's downfall now that Faye has seen how horrible Geoff can be. Surely Faye cant believe that Yasmeen abused him for all those months. She has Anna Windass for a mother so unlike Tim she is not delusional #Corrie.”
A third added: “YES come through FAYE! She owned her vile Grandad, she can see through him.”
Currently the trial has been postponed due to Yasmeen played by actress Shelley King suffering a heart attack in prison. Shelley has spoken out about the stress of playing her character but that the storyline has helped real life victims of domestic abuse.
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, the 64-year-old said: "Corrie is informing people there is help out there. It's such an important issue to tackle — that's why I love it.
"A lot of the messages I've been getting are from people saying, ‘That's happening to me'. They're watching the storyline and are now seeking help."
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30pm on ITV.


birminghammail--2020-08-17--Major disruption in Birmingham city centre as fire crews fix window above A38

Rush hour drivers faced major disruption in the city centre after police closed off a busy route amid two incidents .
The A38 Suffolk Street Queensway underpass and slip road were shut opposite The Mailbox from around 4.45pm on Monday , August 17 .
It reopened less than an hour later at 5.30pm , though motorists were still warned of congestion in the area towards Holloway Circus .
West Midlands Fire Service said it had requested police close off the major commuter route as they worked to fix an 'unsafe ' window in a building above .
Sharing photos of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ window , fire crews thanked 'held up ' motorists for their patience .
They added that police attended to man the closure amid fears the window could have caused a serious accident - had it not been secured .
Ladywood fire crews tweeted : `` A big thank you to all held up on A38 Birmingham this afternoon for their patience .
`` As you can see , if we didn ’ t ; had we not secured this window in time , we could have been attending a much more serious incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the building and they were just there to secure the window .
Around the same time , West Midlands Police reported a four car crash had taken place on the A38 .
Fortunately no one was hurt in the multi-vehicle collision .
Officers said it was a 'damage only ' incident , with drivers exchanging vehicle details at the scene .

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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
Rush hour drivers faced major disruption in the city centre after police closed off a busy route amid two incidents.
The A38 Suffolk Street Queensway underpass and slip road were shut opposite The Mailbox from around 4.45pm on Monday, August 17.
It reopened less than an hour later at 5.30pm, though motorists were still warned of congestion in the area towards Holloway Circus.
West Midlands Fire Service said it had requested police close off the major commuter route as they worked to fix an 'unsafe' window in a building above.
(Image: WMFS)
Sharing photos of the large queues building beneath the faulty window, fire crews thanked 'held up' motorists for their patience.
They added that police attended to man the closure amid fears the window could have caused a serious accident - had it not been secured.
Ladywood fire crews tweeted: "A big thank you to all held up on A38 Birmingham this afternoon for their patience.
"As you can see, if we didn’t; had we not secured this window in time, we could have been attending a much more serious incident."
Firefighters stressed that nothing fell from the building and they were just there to secure the window.
Around the same time, West Midlands Police reported a four car crash had taken place on the A38.
Fortunately no one was hurt in the multi-vehicle collision. Officers said it was a 'damage only' incident, with drivers exchanging vehicle details at the scene.


birminghammail--2020-08-17--Report: West Brom learn asking price in West Ham transfer battle

West Brom and West Ham have reportedly made contact with Istanbul Basaksehir over a potential move for defender Junior Caicara .
The link initially emerged in the national press over the weekend , suggesting the Baggies and Hammers would fight it out for the 31-year-old .
Caicara has just one-year left on his deal with the Turkish side and is believed to fancy a move to England ’ s top-flight .
Make sure you do n't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter And now , according to Sport Witness , Basaksehir are willing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as little €3m .
As well as interest from the Premier League , Real Betis from Spain and Russian giants Zenit are keen – although , it is claimed his preference is a move to England .
The report also adds that despite being born in Brazil , Caicara holds a Bulgarian passport , which would help with any work permit difficulties .
On Monday , Albion confirmed their first arrival after winning promotion back to the top-flight , with Matheus Pereira signing a four-year contract .
Pereira enjoyed a stunning season on-loan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the club ’ s promotion .
After signing a season-long loan from Sporting , West Brom triggered the £8.25m clause to bring him to the Hawthorns on a permanent basis .

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West Brom and West Ham have reportedly made contact with Istanbul Basaksehir over a potential move for defender Junior Caicara.
The link initially emerged in the national press over the weekend, suggesting the Baggies and Hammers would fight it out for the 31-year-old.
Caicara has just one-year left on his deal with the Turkish side and is believed to fancy a move to England’s top-flight.
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter
And now, according to Sport Witness, Basaksehir are willing to allow the full-back to leave for as little €3m.
As well as interest from the Premier League, Real Betis from Spain and Russian giants Zenit are keen – although, it is claimed his preference is a move to England.
The report also adds that despite being born in Brazil, Caicara holds a Bulgarian passport, which would help with any work permit difficulties.
On Monday, Albion confirmed their first arrival after winning promotion back to the top-flight, with Matheus Pereira signing a four-year contract.
Pereira enjoyed a stunning season on-loan last term, playing a pivotal role in the club’s promotion.
After signing a season-long loan from Sporting, West Brom triggered the £8.25m clause to bring him to the Hawthorns on a permanent basis.


birminghammail--2020-08-17--Whistleblower hotline set up to report Covid rule breakers

A whistleblower hotline has been set up in Birmingham to help crack down on anyone breaking coronavirus rules as infection rates in the city continue to increase .
A worrying rise in coronavirus cases has put the city on a lockdown-prevention setting , with the next fortnight deemed 'critical ' in the battle to keep the infection at bay .
The rate of infection has more than doubled since the start of August , with spikes in cases appearing daily and in different parts of the city .
There have as yet been no major outbreaks - but instead the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smaller 'incidents ' of a handful of cases at a time .
But amid fears that a continued rise could trigger lockdown measures , the city 's public health director Dr Justin Varney says it 's vital that people are kept safe and businesses follow guidance .
The city council and police have joined forces to create a quick reporting process for employees , customers and neighbours to alert any incidents or concerns .
City council chiefs have set up a web page where people can report any concerns about businesses opening illegally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In its first few days since it started up , the service is averaging about 30 contacts a day .
Complaints are likely to include : • Being open for business whilst the guidelines state they should remain closed • Businesses encouraging workers to come into the workplace even when they are symptomatic or have been in contact with someone who is • Businesses not carrying out risk assessments in line with Government requirements • Businesses not following Government Covid guidelines , eg : correct use of PPE and hand washing facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ links for people to report individuals and groups of people not complying with social distancing guidelines or holding mass gatherings .
The aim is to encourage people to report concerns anonymously , particularly employees worried they are being encouraged to take unnecessary risks .
Birmingham 's public health director Dr Justin Varney said it was one of a package of measures designed to help people stay safe from the virus .
Get all the latest politics updates in our daily BirminghamLive newsletter Politics plays a huge part in all our lives , much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and updates on the world of politics seemed to become much more important than ever during the coronavirus pandemic as we waited for news of the Government 's responses to the crisis and how it affected our daily lives .
You can get all the latest politics updates in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter .
Sign up here or fill in the box at the top of the article .
There are all the Government briefings and announcements as well as new laws , decisions on the economy that affect businesses and our personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Universal Credit and of course local and national elections that decide who represents us .
There 's also all the news from Birmingham City Council and other Midlands authorities on housing , education , bin collections , roads , transport , public health and so much more .
And how much council tax they 'll charge us for delivering those services .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Find it on Google Play Store and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the city , particularly in workplaces , including hospitality , manufacturing and retail .
The city currently has a positive coronavirus rate of 30.1 cases per 100,000 people - the equivalent of about 350 new cases .
It is likely the city will feature in the national `` watch list '' of places most at risk of intervention within days , with no sign of the current rise in cases easing off .
There have been 321 new cases in the past week .
Before reporting an issue , people are urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Businesses that should be closed - view the government list here • Businesses that seem to be ignoring the government 's social distancing measures - view the latest social distancing measures A full list of the Government 's rules around coronavirus and restrictions are here .
`` We could very easily be in a situation like we have seen in Leicester and Greater Manchester , '' said Dr Varney this morning .
Both areas have had lockdown restrictions imposed by health secretary Matt Hancock after seeing sustained spikes in infection .
Said Dr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses have all the right risk management in place , and are doing the right thing .
`` In some we are finding they have gone below the two metre gap , but without putting in the extra mitigation measures they should , like hand sanitisers and face coverings .
`` The whistleblower service provides a safe space where people can report concerns , particularly employees who might be worried for themselves or others , and do n't know who to tell . ''
The report submitted would be investigated .
Whistleblowers can @ @ @

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A whistleblower hotline has been set up in Birmingham to help crack down on anyone breaking coronavirus rules as infection rates in the city continue to increase.
A worrying rise in coronavirus cases has put the city on a lockdown-prevention setting, with the next fortnight deemed 'critical' in the battle to keep the infection at bay.
The rate of infection has more than doubled since the start of August, with spikes in cases appearing daily and in different parts of the city.
There have as yet been no major outbreaks - but instead the city is seeing a rising number of smaller 'incidents' of a handful of cases at a time.
But amid fears that a continued rise could trigger lockdown measures, the city's public health director Dr Justin Varney says it's vital that people are kept safe and businesses follow guidance.
The city council and police have joined forces to create a quick reporting process for employees, customers and neighbours to alert any incidents or concerns.
City council chiefs have set up a web page where people can report any concerns about businesses opening illegally, or failing to comply with guidance. In its first few days since it started up, the service is averaging about 30 contacts a day.
Complaints are likely to include:
Being open for business whilst the guidelines state they should remain closed
Businesses encouraging workers to come into the workplace even when they are symptomatic or have been in contact with someone who is
Businesses not carrying out risk assessments in line with Government requirements
Businesses not following Government Covid guidelines, eg: correct use of PPE and hand washing facilities
Inadequate barriers and other protection measures
West Midlands Police have set up separate links for people to report individuals and groups of people not complying with social distancing guidelines or holding mass gatherings.
The aim is to encourage people to report concerns anonymously, particularly employees worried they are being encouraged to take unnecessary risks.
Birmingham's public health director Dr Justin Varney said it was one of a package of measures designed to help people stay safe from the virus.
Infection rates are going up across the city, particularly in workplaces, including hospitality, manufacturing and retail.
The city currently has a positive coronavirus rate of 30.1 cases per 100,000 people - the equivalent of about 350 new cases.
It is likely the city will feature in the national "watch list" of places most at risk of intervention within days, with no sign of the current rise in cases easing off.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
There have been 321 new cases in the past week.
Before reporting an issue, people are urged to view the current guidance.
Businesses that should be closed - view the government list here
Businesses that seem to be ignoring the government's social distancing measures - view the latest social distancing measures
A full list of the Government's rules around coronavirus and restrictions are here.
"We could very easily be in a situation like we have seen in Leicester and Greater Manchester," said Dr Varney this morning.
Both areas have had lockdown restrictions imposed by health secretary Matt Hancock after seeing sustained spikes in infection.
Said Dr Varney: "Around 60-70% of businesses have all the right risk management in place, and are doing the right thing.
"In some we are finding they have gone below the two metre gap, but without putting in the extra mitigation measures they should, like hand sanitisers and face coverings.
"The whistleblower service provides a safe space where people can report concerns, particularly employees who might be worried for themselves or others, and don't know who to tell."
The report submitted would be investigated. Whistleblowers can remain anonymous.