Latest news with #Teesside
BBC News
4 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Cleveland Police investigation into human trafficking from Brazil to Teesside
Five people have been arrested as part of an investigation into alleged human sex trafficking on Police said it had carried out a year-long inquiry into "vulnerable people" being moved from Brazil to Middlesbrough and Sgt John Bentley said women were allegedly being brought into the UK "for use in the adult sexual services industry, mainly online".Four men, aged 25, 29, 39 and 40, and a 41-year-old woman, were arrested during raids on suspicion of human trafficking and forced labour offences. Those arrested have been released on bail as the investigation Police said it had been in contact with more than 10 potential victims and they were taken into Sgt Bentley said the force had uncovered a suspected "international human trafficking organisation", operating in the Cleveland Police area and nationally."A member of the public was concerned about the comings and goings at a certain address and spoke to the local neighbourhood police," he added."They came out and established that something was amiss and they came to us - we have a specialised team of detectives." 'National problem' He explained that conditions in properties varied but those inside "will not leave them because of threats and coercion".Victims are often debt-bonded after entering into an agreement but "the debt is never repaid", he secured three Slavery and Trafficking Orders, which are civil orders used to protect vulnerable people from criminal exploitation and deter future Sgt Bentley described modern slavery as a "national problem" but ruled out the North East being a Khan, director of the Halo project, which supports vulnerable women, said it had supported multiple victims of trafficking so far this year."We must do more to raise awareness and provide the much needed care and support to our victims," she said."However, we must work relentlessly to bring organised gangs and perpetrators to account and ensure evidence can lead to prosecutions." Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
The Independent
14 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Mother's ‘long wait' for justice over daughter's death ahead of second inquest
The mother of a housebound disabled woman who killed herself after a benefits cut has described the 'long wait' for justice, ahead of a second inquest into her daughter's death, following years of legal fights. Jodey Whiting, 42, from Stockton-on-Tees, died in February 2017 about two weeks after her disability benefit was stopped, when she did not attend a work capability assessment. Her mother, Joy Dove, fought for a new inquest to investigate the impact of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) ending Ms Whiting's benefits, after the first lasted only 37 minutes and heard no evidence relating to the DWP. Ms Dove told the BBC: 'It's been such a long wait. It's now come back to where it all began. 'The coroner has said it will be a full and thorough inquest and I'm hoping for the best, not just for Jodey's sake but for the whole family, especially the young ones, who don't really know what the past few years have been like. 'Hopefully, they'll understand it more.' She will give evidence at the hearing, and told the broadcaster: 'I'm anxious, but I just want justice for Jodey.' The fresh inquest will open at Teesside Magistrates' Court on Monday and will hear evidence from a DWP representative. The coroner at the original inquest in May 2017 recorded a verdict of suicide. In 2020, Ms Dove was given permission by the attorney general to apply to the High Court for a new inquest, an application that was eventually refused. Ms Dove took her fight to the Court of Appeal, where in 2023 her lawyers said the first inquest did not investigate 'whether any acts or omissions of the DWP caused or contributed to Ms Whiting's death', and argued that the High Court judges reached the wrong conclusions. They said another inquest was necessary to consider fresh evidence of 'multiple, significant failings' by the DWP when it terminated Ms Whiting's employment and support allowance (ESA), which was not before the coroner at the time of the first inquest. Judges ruled there should be a new inquest, heard by a different coroner, saying the public have a 'legitimate interest' in knowing whether Ms Whiting's death was connected to the abrupt stopping of her benefits. Ms Whiting had received benefits for more than a decade because of serious, long-term physical and mental health issues, including severe pain and a history of self-harm. In late 2016, the DWP started to reassess Ms Whiting, who said she needed a house visit as she was housebound, had severe anxiety and was unable to walk more than a few steps. Ms Dove's lawyers argued at the High Court in 2021 that a house visit was not properly considered before the DWP terminated her disability benefit, which led to Ms Whiting's housing benefit and council tax benefit also being terminated. Ms Dove told the BBC about a letter her daughter received from the DWP before her death, asking 'why she hadn't attended a medical assessment, because it could affect her money'. 'But she'd been in hospital,' she said. 'We waited for another letter and I couldn't believe it. It said 'you're fit to work'. 'She looked at me and said 'Mam, what am I going to do? I can't walk out the door, I can't breathe, I can't sign on'.' The decision to terminate Ms Whiting's benefit was overturned on March 31, weeks after her death. The independent case examiner, which investigates complaints about the DWP, later found multiple breaches of department policy, significant errors by staff, and several 'missed opportunities' for the DWP to reconsider the claim.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The 'important and urgent' issue of getting our young people into work
ONE of the challenges we face as a region is the growing number of young people not in work, education or training (so called NEETs) in the north east and Cumbria. It's an important and urgent issue, and one I discussed on a recent visit to Carlisle Jobcentre Plus. Unlocking the talent of our young people is key to our country's future. As part of its Get Britain Working plan, the biggest reform to employment support in a generation, the Government has raised the National Living Wage, improved working conditions through landmark employment legislation and begun to create jobs in high potential areas, such as clean energy industries, advanced manufacturing and defence. A central element of this plan is the new 'Youth Guarantee', which will support thousands of 18 to 21-year-olds into education, employment or training. Teesside, over in the north east, is one of eight trailblazer areas for the Youth Guarantee Scheme. This means it is a pilot for new approaches which, if successful, will be rolled out across the country. But that doesn't mean there's a lack of support for young people here in Carlisle and north Cumbria. Far from it. For example, the government is providing support to employers to take on young apprentices, including funding training costs for small businesses for apprentices aged 16-18, and removing National Insurance contributions for employers of apprentices under 25. A reformed Skills Levy will help ensure that a more skilled and adaptable workforce goes hand-in-hand with greater opportunity. On my recent visit to Carlisle Jobcentre Plus I saw for myself the tailored support available to 16–24 year-olds in their Youth Hub. Through partnerships with organisations like the Cumbria Youth Alliance, it provides access to careers advice, employability coaching, and connections to local services. Help is on hand for essential skills such as CV writing, interview preparation and job searches, as well as access to training opportunities. But if these efforts are going to be successful, we need young people to meet us halfway. If someone on benefits refuses to take up the support offered by a work coach without good reason, there will be benefits sanctions. This isn't about creating a blame culture; it's about fairness. Those who can work should work, so we are able to support those who genuinely can't. By working together, the government, employers, and young people can build an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive, whether they live in the north east, Cumbria, or beyond.
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Teesside mums front breastfeeding campaign
Mums breastfeeding their babies are being urged to "be kind to yourself".Twelve mothers have recounted their experiences as part of a campaign launched on Teesside in an effort to address a below-average rate of breastfeeding in the of those taking part in the Mamazing project, Hayley O'Sullivan from Ormesby, said she experienced early struggles but now remembers "beautiful moments" shared with her campaign has been organised by Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland councils. The mums, chosen to feature in the campaign via a competition, took part in a photoshoot with their images now displayed on ads across the south Tees area. Stress 'doesn't last forever' Mrs O'Sullivan, who has breastfed two daughters, said she hoped seeing and hearing the women's "raw and authentic" stories would be a powerful way to encourage take-up rates."You just expect the baby to make its way to the breast and to feed naturally. That didn't happen for me."With my first, we had so many issues in the beginning. She couldn't latch, sometimes she had to feed for more than an hour because a nipple shield was acting as a barrier to her getting all the milk she needed and she lost weight."There were so many times when I wondered whether I'd done the right thing, but after six to eight weeks I got support from a feeding specialist team and from local family hubs."She recalled feeling like all her time was spent preparing for the next feed and "wondering if the baby's had enough"."It's stressful and exhausting, but that doesn't last forever. Be kind to yourself. If you do nothing else in a day other than feed a baby then that's more than enough."I look back now and don't focus on the negatives. I remember the beautiful moments we had." Lorna Mulungi, of Middlesbrough, initially found things difficult with her baby and credits help from health professionals and her husband, Yassir, for making the situation easier."There was a point I was going to give up," she said. "I thought I couldn't do it because it was so painful and stressful."But with lots of practice and patience I finally got it. I also talked to health visitors and went to family hubs."Emma Cooksey, who is also from Middlesbrough, describes herself as "heavily tattooed with piercings" and said she had been "pigeon-holed into not looking maternal enough – whatever that means".Initially planning to breastfeed her daughter for two or three months, she has continued for 15."It got easier with the support I was given and as my body got used to it, so we just kept going," she explained."I didn't have to think about bottles or sterilising anything. It's there and on tap. We'll go on until she wants to stop." Anne Rose, of Public Health South Tees, said breastfeeding rates in the area had "historically not been as high as the England average"."It can be due to lack of community support, or [influence from] family and friend networks."It might be that new mums are following how their own mums fed their babies, and also there's the marketing of breast milk substitutes as well."Other factors mothers often say make them reluctant include infections, such as mastitis, and disapproval from onlookers if they breastfeed in public. What does the NHS say? Breast milk is "tailor-made for your baby", according to the NHS. It says breastfeeding provides:Vitamins and mineralsProtection from certain infectionsReduced risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), childhood diabetes and leukaemiaProtection for mothers by lowering their risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis (weak bones), diabetes and cardiovascular disease Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Beloved jewellery shop launches huge ‘everything must go sale' ahead of shutting its doors in DAYS
A MUCH-LOVED jewellers is set to close its doors for good after more than 20 years on the high street. The jewellery shop has launched an 'everything must go' sale, ahead of its closure. 2 2 Whittakers Jewellers, which has been a staple of Yarm High Street for 21 years, has confirmed its final day of trading will be Saturday, May 31. The long-running store first announced its closure back in November, sparking sadness among loyal locals. Since then, big bold signs have filled the shop windows, shouting about the store's closing down sale with jewellery fans flocking in for a final bargain. But now, with the countdown officially on, fresh signs have gone up confirming its last day is just days away. The store have slashed jewellery prices from as much as 70% off. The store posted one hot deal to its Facebook, where a diamond ring was slashed from £7,350 to £2,190. The deal meant shoppers would save a massive £5,000. The family-run store has thanked customers for their loyalty over the years in a heartfelt Facebook message. It said: 'We are sad we are leaving but we have treasured the 21 years we've been here on the High Street. "We think of our customers as family and friends… we will miss you all.' Whittakers have built up a massively loyal customer base and is located between the Lucy Pittaway art store and The Keys pub. Four members of the Evans family have run the business since March 2004. Bosses of the jewellers told Teesside Live they had expanded over the years - and even opened the first Pandora shop in the country. But they added they always looked to maintain a "genuine, homey feel". Fans of the jewellers say it will leave a huge hole in the town, with one heartbroken shopper writing: 'It'll be such a big loss to the high street and to me. "I've had the pleasure of purchasing so many lovely items over the years" Another added: 'Big loss to Yarm High Street.' While a third said: "Thank you for your beautiful jewellery and fabulous staff. You will all be greatly missed" Popular retailer to RETURN 13 years after collapsing into administration and shutting 236 stores It's not the only jewellery giant feeling the pinch. G Hewitt & Son, a 154-year-old jewellers, and one of the UK's first Rolex retailers, launched a once-in-a-lifetime closing down sale last month. The shop told followers on Facebook: 'Everything must go – don't miss out on huge savings.' Meanwhile, The Watches of Switzerland Group - based in Leicestershire - has confirmed it will close 16 showrooms across the country and that 40 people were expected to leave the business. Similarly, Terence Lett Jewellers, located on the high street in Witney, Oxfordshire, has announced its decision to shut up shop. And loyal customers of Jane Allen Jewellers in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales were left distraught to hear the update and have been mourning the imminent loss. With more and more historic jewellers disappearing from high streets, Whittakers' final goodbye will be bittersweet for shoppers in Yarm. Locals now have just days left to bag a bargain and say farewell to one of the town's best-loved shops. RETAIL SECTOR STRUGGLES Its not just jewellery stores that are suffering to stay open. The retail industry has faced multiple closures this year, with ocncerns over the British high streets becoming 'ghost towns'. It's worth bearing in mind, larger retail chains often open and close branches based on customer demand and sales. Sometimes a single store might shut because a lease is ending and the chain has decided it is better to direct cash into other shops or opening new ones. However, the retail sector more broadly has struggled since the 2008 financial crash. The Centre for Retail Research has said the industry has been going through a "permacrisis" during this period. There are a number of reasons the sector is struggling, one being the rise of online shopping. This has seen footfall to high street stores fall seeing large swathes of branches close across the UK. Challenging economic conditions in recent years, including soaring inflation, have dented shoppers' wallets and purses too. While some bigger retailers have struggled to stay afloat, including Wilko, in recent years independent shops have suffered the most. The Centre for Retail Research said more than 13,000 high street shops closed in 2024, with over 11,000 of these independents. RETAIL PAIN IN 2025 The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury's hike to employer NICs will cost the retail sector £2.3billion. Research by the British Chambers of Commerce shows that more than half of companies plan to raise prices by early April. A survey of more than 4,800 firms found that 55% expect prices to increase in the next three months, up from 39% in a similar poll conducted in the latter half of 2024. Three-quarters of companies cited the cost of employing people as their primary financial pressure. The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has also warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year. It comes on the back of a tough 2024 when 13,000 shops closed their doors for good, already a 28% increase on the previous year. Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the CRR said: "The results for 2024 show that although the outcomes for store closures overall were not as poor as in either 2020 or 2022, they are still disconcerting, with worse set to come in 2025." Professor Bamfield has also warned of a bleak outlook for 2025, predicting that as many as 202,000 jobs could be lost in the sector. "By increasing both the costs of running stores and the costs on each consumer's household it is highly likely that we will see retail job losses eclipse the height of the pandemic in 2020."
