British Gas workers are burning the new contracts to show graphically their defiance of the imposition of hourly pay 15% below the agreed rate, says GMB Union Day six of the British Gas strike was ‘rock solid’ as an estimated 7,000 workers downed tools over the company’s plan to sack them all. Meanwhile angry engineers across the country are set to burn new contracts – which they have been told they must sign, or be fired in March. Members across the country - picketing at their vans due to the pandemic - will be filming and photographing their contracts being burned at the same time. British Gas engineers and staff voted overwhelmingly by 89% to strike after boss of parent company Centrica Chris O’Shea threatened to fire them all if they didn’t “accept” cuts to pay and terms and conditions.  The strikes provoked by the company have caused massive disruption already – with an estimated 100,000 homes waiting for service across the country.  British Gas parent company Centrica reported an operating profit of £901 million in 2019. The operating profitability of its UK home heating business rose by 27 per cent in the first six months of 2020. Engineers and other workers will also down tools on January 22, 25, 29, 30, 31 and February 1 in anger as profitable British Gas provokes further disruption for its customers. Justin Bowden, GMB National Secretary, said:  “GMB members at British Gas are burning the new contracts to show graphically their defiance of the imposition of hourly pay 15% below the agreed rate - as well as other changes. “This is yet another attempt get through to Mr O’Shea that staff accepting cuts of this magnitude in a profitable company is wishful thinking in the extreme. “British Gas has provoked disruption to more than 100,000 households already in the backlog for services. That number will grow due to the seven new strike dates. “The company needs to put customers and staff first by abandoning wishful thinking and taking ‘fire and rehire’ off the table. Join us in sending a message of support to GMB members facing the prospect of having new contracts imposed on them. Send your solidarity for the Gas Engineers click here

Plans are being finalised to provide the county’s key workers with rapid community testing for Covid-19. Leicestershire County Council hopes to have one rapid test centre open in each district over the next few weeks, with the current test centre in Wigston Fields available to key workers from today. One in three people who have coronavirus show no symptoms, and rapid lateral flow testing, led by the council’s public health team, can help to quickly identify individuals and stop the spread of infection. Rapid testing is only for those who don’t have symptoms and aren’t already isolating. It will be open to key workers and anyone else in the county who cannot currently work from home. "Key workers have had a vital role to play in supporting us all during the pandemic. Rapid testing for these workers – will help to protect them, their colleagues and customers by identifying cases and stopping further spread of coronavirus. We are also looking for testing assistants to help staff the sites as we open them and I would urge anyone who can spare the time to help us with this programme, to please find out more about the role." Nick Rushton, Leader of Leicestershire County Council The lateral flow tests are self-administered at an approved test site – and you can leave the site straight after you have taken your swab. Results will be sent out by text or email by the end of that day. Sites will be open 6 days each week. Anyone who currently cannot work from home is eligible. To book a test click here Rapid asymptomatic testing can help identify people who are infected but do not have symptoms. This helps to prevent the spread of the virus. We are now targeting all those who live, or work in Leicestershire, and are not able to work from home during the current lockdown, as well as the residents of Wigston. This test is voluntary. Leicestershire County Council News Wednesday, 20 January, 2021

“Sadly, we can confirm that 928 patients being cared for at our hospitals, and who had tested positive for COVID-19, have died. "79 of those deaths have been announced since last Wednesday (13 January). The ages of the patients ranged between those in their 30s to those in their 90s. "Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the patients at this very difficult and distressing time." More information is available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/covid-19-daily-deaths/ UHL News 20/01/21

A man who died in a collision in Leicester on Sunday 17 January has been named as 28-year-old Pavandeep Singh from Leicester. The incident happened in Coleman Road, close to the junction with Avonside Drive, at around 11.30pm when a dark-coloured Seat Leon collided with a tree. Mr Singh, who was known as Sunny, was a passenger in the car. He died at the scene of the collision. Two other men were taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. A man in his 30s is being treated for life-threatening injuries, while a man in his 20s remains in a serious but stable condition. Coleman Road was closed at its junctions with Broad Avenue and The Langfield, as well as at the junction with Avonside Drive, while officers carried out enquiries. The road was reopened around 8.35am on Monday 18 January. Enquiries are continuing into the incident and detectives continue to appeal for information. Detective Sergeant Paul Hawkins, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), said: “Our enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances of the collision and I’d like to speak to anyone who saw a dark-coloured Seat Leon travelling around Evington late on Sunday night. “I’d ask anyone who saw it prior to the collision – or who saw the collision occur – to come forward. I am also keen to speak to any motorists with a dashcam installed in their vehicle or, given it happened in a residential area, anyone with CCTV at their address. “Any information, no matter how insignificant you think it is, could help our investigation.” You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rti/rti-b/report-a-road-traffic-incident/ and quoting incident 651. Leicestershire Police News 21/01/21

A man has been charged with sexual assault in connection with an incident in Melton on Saturday (16 January). Krystian Surmaj, 22, of Melton, has been remanded into custody to appear at Leicester Magistrates Court tomorrow (Friday). The charge is in connection with an incident reported to have happened in the area of Elmhurst Avenue. Officers received a call just after 8pm on Saturday 16 January reporting that a woman in her 20s had been walking in the area when she was sexually assaulted by a man. The woman managed to push the suspect away and from enquiries it is understood the suspect then left the scene making his way along Elmhurst Avenue by foot and turning onto Welby Lane. The victim did not require hospital treatment. Officers have been providing full support to the victim and are carrying out full enquiries into the incident. Leicestershire Police News 21/01/21

After nearly 30 years nursing sick babies and supporting families through some of their most difficult times, most people would choose to put their feet up when the time came to retire. But not for one of the force’s latest recruits. Instead, at the age of 56, Julia Parker decided to take on a new challenge – protecting and serving the public as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO). Julia retired as a deputy sister in June last year after spending 29 years working in the Leicester Royal Infirmary neonatal unit. During this time she spent seven years specialising as a transport nurse – providing care to babies as they were being moved to other facilities and 10 years as the lead for bereavement. She was looking for something different to occupy her new free time when her daughter suggested applying to become a PCSO. And if anyone could give Julia an insight into the role it would be her 20-year-old daughter Anna who has been doing the job for 18 months. “When Anna suggested applying for the role I thought I was too old,” said Julia. “But when she told me someone in her cohort was 59 I gave it some real thought. Working as a nurse for so many years I felt I had lots of transferable skills and I like working with people so I decided to apply. “After working in a senior position for so many years and knowing my job inside out it was quite daunting to step out of my comfort zone and try something new but I am so pleased I did. My initial training has gone well and my tutor has been so supportive as I’ve got to grips with the role. “I’ve been out of my training period for about a month now but due to recently testing positive for Covid I have only spent about 10 days so far working on my beat in Loughborough. I’m already really enjoying the variety though - each day is different and brings new challenges.” And when at home Anna isn’t the only one Julia can turn to for advice on her newfound policing profession. Her husband Ian can offer some expert guidance after 30 years’ service as a police constable and sergeant - retiring in July last year. “I am so proud of what Ian achieved in his 30 years and what Anna has achieved in her time with the force so far. I hope I am able to live up to the high bar set by the other policing Parkers,” added Julia. PCSO recruitment is open until Monday 25 January. Apply at www.leics.police.uk/joinus

A man who died in a single-car collision near Whitwick on Wednesday 23 December has been named as 24-year-old Aaron Fairbrother from Whitwick. The collision happened in Leicester Road shortly before 1.30am when a black Nissan Note that was travelling from Whitwick towards the Leicester Road/Abbey Road/Warrens Hill Road area left the carriageway. Mr Fairbrother was a passenger in the car and was pronounced dead at the scene. Another man, aged 22, was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre and treated for non-life threatening injuries. He was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs and has since been released under investigation. Detective Constable Paul Hicks, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and I would like to speak to anyone who saw the Nissan Note in the area of Whitwick prior to the collision. “We have spoken to some people who stopped at the scene, but I would also ask anyone who saw what happened – or who has a dashcam installed in their vehicle and thinks they can help – to come forward. “Any information you have could help our investigation.” You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rti/rti-b/report-a-road-traffic-incident/ and quoting incident 21 of 23 December. Alternatively call 101. Leicestershire Police News 21/01/21

Police are appe/aling for witnesses after a knifepoint robbery at the St Matthews post office this morning. Police have release the following statement and appeal. “Detectives from the force’s Complex Investigation Team (CIT) are appealing for information following a robbery in the St Matthews area of Leicester this morning. It was reported to have happened at a post office in Malabar Road shortly after 9.30am. Two men went into the post office and threatened staff with a knife, before taking money from the cash drawers. It is believed they then left the scene on foot. No-one was injured during the incident and officers remain in the area carrying out further enquiries. Detective Inspector Mark Parish said: “We would like to speak to anyone who was in the area in and around Malabar this morning and saw two men acting in a manner that seemed unusual or suspicious. “Did you see anyone running away from the post office? Did you see a vehicle in the area? “Any details you are able to provide, no matter how insignificant you think they are, could help our investigation.” You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/.../af/how-to-report-a-crime/ and quoting reference 21*40875. Alternatively call 101. Updated News 19/01/21 Two men have been arrested following a robbery at a post office in the St Matthews area of Leicester yesterday (Monday 18 January). This morning a 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery, while a 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery. The men, who are both from Leicester, remain in custody where they are being questioned by detectives. Updated News 20/01/21 Detectives investigating a robbery in Malabar Road on Monday (18 January) have made a third arrest. Last night, a 35-year-old man from Leicester was arrested on suspicion of robbery. He remains in custody, as do two other men aged 36 and 33 who were arrested yesterday (Tuesday). Enquiries are continuing and officers are continuing to appeal for anyone with information to come forward. Updated News 21/01/21 Two men have been charged with a robbery in the St Matthews area of Leicester. Last night (Wednesday), 33-year-old Jermaine Johnson, of Regent Road in Leicester, was charged with robbery and possession of a bladed article. Theo Taitt, 35, of Beatrice Road in Leicester was charged with robbery, possession of a bladed article and affray. Both men are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court this morning (Thursday). A 36-year-old man also arrested in connection with this offence was released on bail.

Two men have been charged with a robbery in the St Matthews area of Leicester. Shortly after 9.30am on Monday (18 January) police were called to Malabar Road following a report of robbery at a post office. Last night (Wednesday), 33-year-old Jermaine Johnson, of Regent Road in Leicester, was charged with robbery and possession of a bladed article. Theo Taitt, 35, of Beatrice Road in Leicester was charged with robbery, possession of a bladed article and affray. Both men are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court this morning (Thursday). A 36-year-old man also arrested in connection with this offence was released on bail. Leicestershire Police News 21/01/21

Welcome back PC Steve Clarke! An officer who was seriously injured while cycling home from his shift last year has returned to work today – to a warm welcome from his colleagues. PC Clarke was involved in the collision with a car in St John, Enderby, just after 3.15am on 25 July last year. He was taken to hospital with serious injuries. At the time of the incident, the car involved was reported to have left the scene of the collision. A full investigation was carried out by the force into the incident with full support also provided to PC Clarke and his family. Welfare support has also been provided to officers and staff in force. And today, less than six months after the incident, PC Clarke returned to the job he knows and loves based at Hinckley Road police station. He said: “It has been fantastic to return today and catch up with all my colleagues and get back into work. I’m very grateful for the support I’ve had from my colleagues and the force over the past six months as well as from all the medical staff involved in my recovery.” PC Clarke’s sergeant Anil Mehta said: “I am genuinely overjoyed Steve has returned to light duties. This is a pure testament to his determination and dedication to his family and colleagues alike. I have seen Steve at every stage since the collision and am in awe at the way he has fought to overcome what happened to him that day. “Steve is a true gentleman and I am privileged to be his friend first and then his supervisor”. PC Clarke’s colleague PC Conor Robinson added: “It’s fantastic to have Clarkey back with us. He is an inspiration to me as an officer and as a human being; he is simply one of the most courageous and determined people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. It speaks volumes about him the way he has dealt with this incident and his determination to get back to work so quickly afterwards.” PC Matt Eld added: “We have worked together for a decade in the West End and I have missed him greatly. He is a great character and well respected by colleagues and the community. We are really pleased to see him return to work. I am really proud of my friend, his determination is inspiring." A man in his 30s, of Leicester, has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to stop in relation to the incident and a man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Both were released under investigation. The investigation remains ongoing. A woman arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and a man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released with no further action. It is not believed the officer was targeted in any way in this incident.

Researchers running a COVID-19 vaccine trial through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Patient Recruitment Centre: Leicester (PRC) are celebrating the 350th volunteer, achieving their recruitment target for the trial two months ahead of schedule. The phase 3 ENSEMBLE 2 study, which recruited its first participant on 26 November 2020, is testing the safety and effectiveness of a two-dose regimen of the Janssen vaccine candidate. It uses a weakened common cold virus and a part of the COVID-19 virus to stimulate the immune system, to later fight a real COVID-19 infection. The 350th volunteer, Jack, explains why he felt it was important to take part: “Initially it was my girlfriend who suggested that we could be part of this so we signed up to the vaccine registry. When I got a call from the team in Leicester I was eager to take part so I could help others.” Jack continues: “I have a degree in History and recognise that we are living through a really pivotal time. The development of vaccines will help get our lives back on track. It will be recorded in history and I want to be part of it.” Dr Adrian Palfreeman, consultant in infectious disease at Leicester’s Hospitals and Principal Investigator for the trial, said: “I would like to sincerely thank all the volunteers taking part in this vaccine trial. We are thrilled to have reached our recruitment target six weeks after recruiting our first volunteer. During these truly difficult times, we have been overwhelmed by the support shown by local people, like Jack.” The PRC Leicester is one of five in England dedicated to setting up and delivering late phase commercial clinical trials in the NHS at pace and scale. The PRC Leicester is hosted by the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and based at Leicester General Hospital. Jack describes his experience in the PRC Leicester as “flawless”. He continues: “Everyone made me feel welcome and clearly explained everything to me.” Professor Melanie Davies, Clinical Director of the PRC: Leicester, adds: “During this difficult time, our team has really come together, going above and beyond to reach this milestone, working long hours, showing true dedication and commitment to this important research. This is the first clinical trial completed by our PRC and to reach our recruitment target so quickly is a real achievement and one the team should be very proud of. We have already received some really fantastic feedback from volunteers on this trial about our new PRC, which has been really uplifting for staff.” People interested in registering to take part in COVID-19 vaccine studies can visit www.nhs.uk/ResearchContact. By signing up to the COVID-19 Vaccine Research Registry, potential participants let researchers know they are happy to be contacted to take part in future vaccine studies. To find out more about PRC Leicester, please visit: https://local.nihr.ac.uk/prc/leicester/ UHL News Released 20/01/21

Healthcare professionals are being asked to come forward to help administer the Covid-19 vaccines in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. A number of new vaccination centres are being set up, and each one requires dozens of staff to administer the jabs. Any registered healthcare professional can play a part after appropriate training – most of which they can do online at home. Retired professionals can join a temporary register up to five years after they have left the permanent register. Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust is recruiting staff on behalf of the local NHS. Anne Scott, director of nursing, allied health professionals and quality said: “We are looking for staff who are registered healthcare professionals, or could easily re-register. This includes a wide range of professions such as physiotherapists, pharmacists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists as well as nurses and doctors. “We will be offering full and part-time work over the next few months. You will be very welcome. “Staff who have already been involved in the programme have said it is hugely rewarding to help deliver vaccines which protect life, and will help the country return to normal.” We are also looking for administrative staff to welcome patients and to help ensure accurate records are kept for members of the public receiving the vaccination. In addition, this project is looking for volunteers to help patients at the vaccination sites. For more details and to apply, please contact www.leicspart.nhs.uk/supportvaccinations. Your NHS needs you! COVID-19 Vaccination Programme The programme across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is gathering pace and we are looking for people to work in a wide range of different capacities to support the roll out of the vaccine. Please note that currently all posts are in patient facing environments. Do you already work in the NHS? We are looking for NHS colleagues who are willing to be trained to support the programme. This work is offered on a bank basis, but is envisaged as being ongoing work for a number of months. If you are interested please click on the relevant link below and enter your details. Registered clinicians Non Registered clinicians- HCA’s, HCSW, TI’s, phlebotomists etc Admin and clerical staff Don’t currently work for the NHS and looking to join the NHS in a paid role? If you do not currently work with the NHS and are interested in supporting this programme then please apply to the most relevant vaccination job below. COVID-19 Vaccination Programme– Clinical Supervisor (registered) COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Registered Healthcare Professional Band 3 Bank COVID-19 Vaccination Programme – Vaccination Admin Support Band 2 Bank COVID-19 Vaccination Programme – Front of House/reception If you are looking for voluntary unpaid work supporting the vaccination programme. Please fill in this short form to express your interest and we will be in touch with you shortly. These roles will be operated by the Covid 19 Vaccination Workforce Bureau which is supporting the Primary Care Networks and other healthcare providers who are responsible for delivering the vaccination programme. The Covid 19 Vaccination Workforce Bureau is hosted by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust. UHL News Release Dated 19/01/21