Latest news with #BBCNorthEast
BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
Consett aerospace workers to strike over sick pay
Workers at an aerospace company have voted to go on strike in a dispute over sick pay. The GMB union said 96% of its members at Gardner Aerospace in Consett, County Durham, had voted to take industrial action. The trade union accused bosses of attempting to cut the first three days of sick pay for staff in a move described as "punishing hard-working staff".Gardner Aerospace declined to comment as it was "actively working" to find a "constructive solution". The firm's Consett site produces high precision sheet metal components, which GMB say is "heavy manual work, often resulting in illness such as RSI, muscular skeletal conditions and the development of hernias".Etain Stobbart, GMB organiser, said: "Gardner Aerospace proudly claims that their best investment is their people."We agree: its huge profits are based on the physically demanding work of front-line staff."To try and reduce our members sick pay demonstrates they are not living their values."The union said it will meet members to discuss their next steps and urged the company to join in discussions to come to a resolution. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Woman gets dying wish to see horse for final time
The family of a dying woman whose final wish was to see a horse for the last time have thanked hospital staff for the "emotional" moment. Allison Charlton, from Widdrington, in Northumberland, had always loved animals but had a particular love for horses, her family said. The 63-year-old spent five weeks on the palliative care ward at Wansbeck General Hospital before she died on 15 June. When staff turned Mrs Charlton's dreams into a reality her face "lit up like a kid at Christmas", her family said. Mrs Charlton enjoyed riding and caring for horses, along with her two sons, Jamie and John Charlton. When staff heard that she would love to see a horse for the last time they were able to make her dream a reality. One of the health care assistants caring for the grandmother-of-four had a relative who owned a horse, called Charlie. Teams on the ward then organised for Charlie to be brought to the hospital. Mrs Charlton's sons said: "It was a really nice memory for us to have. "We had horses when we were kids and you can tell her face was filled with absolute joy. "It was emotional for us as well to see her get that last wish. "It was something for her to hold on to and gave her a chance to fulfil her dream." They added: "The care she received was outstanding. The staff made our mam feel happy, safe and comfortable." Mrs Charlton was able to stroke Charlie and feed it carrots during the visit. Avril Robinson, a staff nurse in palliative medicine, said: "When we say we will make something like this happen, we will do whatever it takes. "As a team in palliative care, we always try to fulfil our patients' last wishes. It makes a huge difference to the patient and their families." Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Hospices in England to receive £100m funding boost Hospice charity facing £1m hole in finances Dogs having a 'phenomenal' effect on patients Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Enjoying the sun across the North East and Cumbria
Temperatures are predicted to surpass 29C (84.2F) today in some areas of north-east England and Cumbria. However, by Sunday - although it will still be warm - there is the chance of a few thundery showers. While it's still glorious for sunseekers, here's a selection of the best pictures of people having fun in the sun and nature at its best. Follow BBC North East on X and Facebook and BBC Cumbria on X and Facebook and both on Nextdoor and Instagram. Temperatures surpass 29C as UK heads for heatwave
BBC News
21-06-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Enjoying the sun across the North East and Cumbria
Temperatures are predicted to surpass 29C (84.2F) today in some areas of north-east England and by Sunday - although it will still be warm - there is the chance of a few thundery it's still glorious for sunseekers, here's a selection of the best pictures of people having fun in the sun and nature at its best. Follow BBC North East on X and Facebook and BBC Cumbria on X and Facebook and both on Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
31-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Kielder Forest's first osprey chicks of the year hatch
The first osprey chicks of the year have hatched at one of their most important sites in chicks hatched at Kielder Forest, in Northumberland, earlier this week despite what were described as "less than ideal" conditions with wind and year saw the ospreys' earliest recorded return to the national park from sub-Saharan Africa with a sighting on 21 March - three days ahead of the previous first led to hopes of an improved breeding season after 12 chicks failed to fledge last year. The park is awaiting possible further hatchings this a Facebook post announcing the new arrivals, it said: "Conditions have been less than ideal here, with wind and rain causing a few wobbles but we're hopeful for a few more hatching over the weekend."There have been some excellent parenting skills on show and, with a steady diet of Kielder's rainbow trout, the chicks will grow quickly."Once found throughout the UK, wild ospreys were persecuted and the species became extinct in England in 1847 and in Scotland in in 2009 ospreys were born for the first time in Northumberland in more than 200 years, with more than 120 successfully fledging since are now approximately 350 breeding pairs in the UK, mostly in Scotland, but numbers in England and Wales have been slowly increasing. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
