Market

Oxfam GB puts 265 jobs at risk of redundancy

by Eva
written by Eva

Oxfam GB has said it has taken the "difficult decision" to put 265 of its 2,100 staff at risk of redundancy.

In a statement it said income from retail and fundraising had been impacted by the state of the economy and inflation and increased National Insurance contributions were increasing its costs.

The Oxford-based charity said the move would save £10.2 million on the current financial year salary costs of £78.2m.

Oxfam said it will now enter a consultation process with staff and trade union representatives.

In July 2024 Oxfam GB implemented a recruitment freeze and reduced 'discretionary spending'.

The charity warned it is expecting to make further cuts to spending, although funding for its programmes will be "protected as far as possible".

Oxfam said it was unable to go into detail about which roles would be affected as it was "currently in the early stages of this process and are engaging with our recognised unions and others on the proposals and the rationale for change".

Innovation

Probation service rated inadequate by inspectors

by Daniel
written by Daniel

A probation service in Lincolnshire has been rated inadequate by inspectors.

The East and West Lincolnshire Probation Delivery Unit (PDU) was inspected by HM Inspectorate of Probation in March.

Findings included a "worrying" lack of attention paid to keeping people safe in assessments, and geographical difficulties in covering a large rural area.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said there was currently a "strain" on the probation service, and it planned to boost funding by 45% by 2028.

'Long distances'

The PDU is responsible for managing and supervising people on probation from its main offices in Boston, Grantham, Lincoln, and Skegness.

The report stated there was "insufficient analysis of domestic abuse and safeguarding information" from practitioners.

It said some people on probation were travelling "long distances" to attend appointments, with managers "struggling to maintain sufficient visibility" across the area it covers.

Positive findings included a "supportive teamwork culture" as well as "engaged and motivated" staff.

Recommendations in the report included ensuring effective management oversight was provided and analysing information on domestic abuse and child safeguarding to inform the quality of assessments.

'System in crisis'

Martin Jones, chief inspector of probation, said: "Despite a positive and supportive teamwork culture, we found regional and local governance arrangements to be driving staff and managers to prioritise performance targets over delivering a quality service.

"Unfortunately, the quality of work delivered to manage risk of harm was insufficient, which resulted in an overall rating of inadequate."

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "The government inherited a criminal justice system in crisis, placing significant strain on the probation service.

"That is why we are boosting probation funding by 45%, investing up to £700m more a year by 2028, and are on track to recruit 2,300 more probation officers nationally by March next year."

Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds latest episode of Look North here.

Market

New mole mapping clinic opens to detect cancers

by Danielle
written by Danielle

The first full body mole mapping clinic of its kind in East Anglia has opened.

The clinic at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, Norfolk, welcomed its first patient through the doors last month.

Staff at the unit are trying to detect skin cancer earlier in people at a higher risk, and will use an advanced imaging system to take high-quality photographs.

Dr Simina Stefanescu, clinic lead for dermatology at the hospital, said: "By comparing images over time, we can spot small changes and make more informed decisions about whether treatment is needed."

Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Experts are hoping the clinic will detect skin cancer in patients who are at a higher risk of getting the disease

The service is aimed at patients already under the dermatology team and who meet specific medical criteria for closer monitoring.

There are two main types of skin cancer – non melanoma and melanoma skin cancer.

Cancer Research UK says most skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun, including long term exposure, but also short periods of intense sun exposure and burning.

The charity says about 156,000 cases of non melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year.

Rebecca Martin, medical director at the hospital, said: "We know how important early detection is when it comes to skin cancer.

"This service gives our patients access to the latest technology, helping us to monitor their skin more closely and act quickly when needed."

Industry

'Social prescribing helped save my life'

by Jacqueline
written by Jacqueline

When she realised she was about to lose her job, Tracy Moore says her mental health hit "rock bottom".

The 55-year-old, from Leicestershire, said she felt abandoned and even considered taking her life, but instead sought the advice of her GP, who in turn sent her to a social prescriber – a decision she believes saved her life.

Social prescribing is a person-centred approach that connects individuals to community activities, groups, and services to improve their mental health.

This can include anything from singing with a choir or volunteering with a cattery to support with household bills.

The Hinckley and Bosworth Medical Alliance, which represents 12 GP surgeries in the county, estimates that issuing social prescriptions has saved it £70,000 in GP time through reduced repeat appointments over the past year.

The social prescribing team listens to the patient and directs them to a social or exercise group – and can even go with them if needed.

Tracy said her mental health plunged while going through redundancy.

"I needed to work to keep my brain active," she said. "I'd worked since I was 15 so the thought of not having a job devastated me.

"I wouldn't have been here if they hadn't intervened at the time they did.

"My social prescriber, Molly, listened to me, to find out what was at the root of my depression and suicidal throughts. Having someone to listen to me was just amazing."

In Tracy's case, volunteering for the NHS as a patient advisor gave her the sense of purpose she needed to improve her mental health.

"It changed my life completely, I can't thank them enough," she said.

Lucy Moore says the scheme has been such a success they are expanding it children for the first time

Lucy Moore, who shares Tracy's surname but is not related, manages the Social Prescribing team at Hinckley and Bosworth Medial Alliance.

She said social prescribing had resulted in patients seeking fewer follow-up appointments – freeing up slots for people with other conditions.

"One in five GP appointments are not for patients' medical health but for their social health and mental wellbeing," she said.

"We listen to the patient, we can direct them to a social or exercise group and even go with them if needed. Whatever their interest is, we can help.

"But the best thing is that people like Tracy have had their lives transformed."

Market

Driver filmed drifting on roundabout at car meet banned

by Amanda
written by Amanda

A "reckless and dangerous driver" filmed drifting between people on a roundabout at an illegal car meet has been banned from driving, police have said.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said Toby Clarkson was given a 24-week suspended jail sentence at Southampton Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old, of London Road in Mickleham, Surrey, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving in relation to a car meet, which took place over several hours across southern Hampshire in September.

Footage released by the police showed Clarkson driving his white BMW at speed around the Harbour Parade roundabout near IKEA in Southampton city centre.

A police statement said Clarkson "put lives at risk" during the meet, which started at Winchester Park and Ride on the evening of 21 September.

The vehicles later moved on to Southampton, Eastleigh, Chandler's Ford, Fareham and eventually gathered at Southsea seafront shortly after midnight.

Police said at one point an ambulance on an emergency call was delayed by vehicles taking part.

Car meet footage shows BMW speeding around roundabout

Officers viewed hours of CCTV, dashcam and social media footage, including a clip of Clarkson circling the roundabout at speed with crowds of people watching at the roadside.

As well as a dangerous driving charge, police said Clarkson pleaded guilty to using a car on a road in such a condition it was likely to cause danger and four counts of failing to give information relating to the identification of a driver.

He was handed a 24-week prison sentence which has been suspended for a year, ordered to do 180 hours unpaid work, attend a programme on car crime and disqualified from driving for three years.

'Embarassed and ashamed'

Supt Mark Lewis described Clarkson's behaviour as "astonishing".

"There were crowds of people mere metres away from Clarkson's car and one slip of the steering wheel could have put dozens in hospital," he said.

"To risk maiming or killing people for the sake of something so immature, the driver should be embarrassed and ashamed of his actions."

Supt Lewis said the case should act as a warning, adding: "Just because you drive home in your car from one of these meets, it doesn't mean you have gotten away with it."

Innovation

Exploding karaoke machine destroys home in fire

by Sophia
written by Sophia

A family of six have been left homeless after a house fire caused by an exploding karaoke machine.

Parents Emma and Jon Logan want to raise awareness of the dangers posed by lithium batteries.

The toy, which was under their 11-year-old daughter's bed in the loft of their Aldridge home, is suspected to have burst into flames after getting too warm during recent hot weather.

The mother and father told the BBC their home insurance policy had not automatically renewed, leaving them with no financial protection.

"It's just devastating and it's the kind of thing you never think it's going to happen to you," said Mrs Logan, 35.

"I mean how do you tell your 11-year-old that everything she has ever owned has been destroyed?

"She's obsessed with rabbits and she had a bunny of her own that she kept in her room which we lost in the fire."

Emma Logan
The family need to find £60,000 for a new roof

The family are now living with grandparents and other relatives, and need to find £60,000 for a new roof.

The blaze, which broke out while the entire family was at work or school, destroyed the top floor of the home, and meant wedding photos and life momentos were lost.

Mr Logan, a tattoo artist, and Mrs Logan, a special needs classroom assistant, purchased the "forever home" 18 months ago after years of saving.

A fundraising page set up by Mr Logan's sister Deborah had raised just under £8,000 on Monday afternoon, for which the family expressed their appreciation.

In the fundraiser, Deborah described the scene as "utterly devastating" and said the family was "trying to do everything we can to help them recover".

"Jon and Emma have always gone above and beyond for others," she said. "Now they need a bit of kindness in return."

Emma Logan
A fundraiser has been launched to support the family

"Our neighbour ran around when he saw the fire and [he] managed to save the dogs who were downstairs," Mrs Logan added.

"I remember seeing on our doorbell footage that loads of people were in front of the house, so popped around to have a look and realised that the fire engine that had passed me was going to my house."

Emma Logan
The family want people to be aware of the risks posed by the batteries

The mother said she wanted other people to be aware of the potential dangers posed by popular toys.

"You have to plug it in to charge it and it plays," she explained.

"We hadn't used it for well over 12 months the batteries were just inside as normal.

"They'd just got that hot that it exploded and caused the fire."

West Midlands Fire Service said lithium ion batteries were commonly used in a variety of household devices and posed minimal risk when handled correctly.

But they warned people to be alert to changes that could indicate a problem.

They said this could include unusual odours, changes in colour, shape or size, excessive heat, leaking or strange noises.

Global Trade

No Irish signage at station for at least six months

by Dylan
written by Dylan

Work to install Irish language signs at Grand Central Station in Belfast will not go ahead for at least six months, the High Court has heard.

Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson is challenging Sinn Féin Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins' decision to approve the £150,000 scheme at the city's new public transport hub.

The court was told on Wednesday it was not necessary to impose an interim order against any changes to signs as the procurement process would take six months.

A barrister representing the minister indicated Mr Bryson could face a claim for damages if he lost his case.

Shutterstock
Jamie Bryson argues that the infrastructure minister unlawfully breached the ministerial code

"Let's say the costs of IT or signage goes up by £50,000 and the case fails, we need to know… if that will be met," Tony McGleenan KC said.

The judge, Mr Justice Scoffield, asked Mr Bryson if he was prepared to give assurances over any financial damages or losses if he sought and obtained an injunction in an ultimately unsuccessful challenge.

Mr Bryson replied that he would.

"If I was not confident in my own case I would not be here", he added.

Judicial review proceedings were issued after Kimmins announced in March that Irish signage would be installed at Grand Central and on ticket vending machines.

The minister said she was "committed to the visibility and promotion of Irish language" and it was important that Grand Central Station was "reflective of all citizens".

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) said the signs would cost about £150,000.

Work to introduce the bilingual signs had been put on hold until 1 May because of the legal action.

PA
Liz Kimmins was appointed minister for infrastructure in February

Representing himself in the case, Mr Bryson contends that Kimmins unlawfully breached the ministerial code by failing to refer the issue to the full Stormont Executive.

Mr Bryson said Kimmins had made it clear she did not believe it was a controversial decision.

"She is not for turning…and it is precisely the type of case where the court should intervene," he said.

Mr Justice Scoffield declined to impose any interim order.

"The main reason why I'm not going to do that is it would put you at risk if it comes to a cross-undertaking in damages," he said.

"Secondly, I've been told by senior Crown counsel, acting on instructions, that the practical position is that nothing is going to happen in the near future."

"It is unnecessary for me to exercise the court's coercive powers."

The judicial review application for hearing has been listed as 9 May.

Business

Murder arrest after man dies in quadbike crash

by Charles
written by Charles

Two men have been arrested, including one on suspicion of murder, after a man died following a crash involving a quadbike on a main road.

A 20-year-old man from Brynmawr, Blaenau Gwent, was pronounced dead at the scene after a quadbike was found overturned on the A465 westbound between Rhymney, Caerphilly, and Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, at around 04:50 BST on Saturday.

A 40-year-old man from Merthyr Tydfil has been arrested on suspicion of murder, driving while unfit through drink, and driving while unfit through drugs.

A second man, a 37-year-old from Merthyr Tydfil, has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender.

Both remain in police custody.

Police believe a second vehicle – a white BMW found burned out in the Dowlais area – may have been involved in the crash.

Tech

ADHD campaigners celebrate budget change 'success'

by Liam
written by Liam

Parents and campaigners have welcomed the scrapping of proposed NHS budget limits which could have increased the wait for an ADHD diagnosis.

NHS England removed plans to set payment limits on its "right to choose" providers which allow GPs to refer patients for assessment anywhere in England.

Hartlepool mum Leanne Baister, who felt "stuck" because the proposals would affect her seven-year-old son Toby's assessment, said it "feels like a moment of success".

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the change would "help reduce waiting times and deliver the 18-week standard in a cost-effective way that delivers value to taxpayers".

There were fears the change for the 2025/26 budget would make waiting times jump but, after a period of consultation, NHS England said it has removed the proposal to "require commissioners to set payment limits for elective services", calling it a "substantial change".

'Won a major battle'

Mrs Baister was considering using right to choose to get a quicker assessment for Toby who also has Down's syndrome.

"I feel like we have a window of opportunity that has opened," she said.

"This has dramatically reduced our worries to know that what could have been a lengthy wait will be dramatically much less."

But she said uncertainty still remained.

Many areas of the UK have such long backlogs for adult ADHD assessments that it would take at least eight years to clear them, a BBC investigation found last year.

The charity ADHD UK said of the proposal change: "It's an important moment but the situation remains chaotic.

"We've won a major battle to stop things getting worse but the fight for proper NHS ADHD care continues."

The DHSC previously said it was working with NHS England's cross-sector taskforce to tackle the challenges those with ADHD face, including timely access to services and support.

A spokesperson said changes made to the initial budget proposals "introduce more flexible elective activity planning, remove the elective payment limit and strengthen activity management provisions".

Tech

I won't get all the money I want from Starmer – FM

by Benjamin
written by Benjamin

The Welsh government will not get everything it wants from the UK government's spending review, the first minister has said.

Eluned Morgan had called on the prime minister to "cough up" extra funding for Wales ahead of meeting him on Friday.

But after it took place she urged people to be "patient" and said there were a "lot of pressures" on prime minister.

Morgan has criticised the PM over a list of complaints in recent weeks – the Conservatives and Plaid Cymru have accused her of confecting a row in response to poor opinion polls.

The Conservatives' Darren Millar said Morgan and Sir Keir were "joined at the hip".

Plaid said all the Welsh Labour leader got from the meeting was a photograph, posted to the Welsh government's feed on X.