500 staff at North Yorkshire care homes could leave due to compulsory vaccinations

About 500 care workers in North Yorkshire could be forced out of their jobs when compulsory vaccines come into force in November.

Many care homes are already struggling to recruit staff and this is set to exacerbate the problem, with 5.5% of the workforce set to lose their jobs.

From November 11, it will become a legal requirement for all staff working in care homes to be fully vaccinated against covid – unless they are exempt – in order to protect elderly and vulnerable residents most at risk from the virus.

Health officials in North Yorkshire say they are supportive of this but are calling for the rules to be applied also to NHS staff to prevent a wave of care workers quitting their jobs to join the health sector.

Speaking at a meeting last week, Cllr Michael Harrison, executive member for adult services and health integration at North Yorkshire County Council, said: 

“If nothing changes, quite simply there will be around 500 people currently working in North Yorkshire’s care sector who will no longer be able to do so.

“It will be illegal to employ them and that would be a terrible shame.

“This is a consequence which needs to be avoided so we are lobbying government at the moment.

“That said, I am a full supporter of mandatory vaccinations and it does disappoint me that there are so many people working in the sector who are refusing to be vaccinated.”

There are currently 8,967 care staff working in North Yorkshire, both at the county council and at private companies.

Of those, a total of 494 have refused vaccines, representing 5.5% of the workforce.

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Health officials have insisted they are making progress on bringing these numbers down, but the looming November 11 deadline comes at a time when the sector is also facing surging demand and serious recruitment issues with around 1,000 jobs currently vacant.

Cllr Harrison said: 

“It is fair to say that the workforce in adult care has quite simply started to evaporate in recent weeks. Even this month we have seen a 70 per cent drop in applications for vacant positions.”

The staffing situation has also led to warnings from the Independent Care Group, which represents independent care homes, that an army of volunteers could be needed to avoid a “winter meltdown” in staff numbers.

Mike Padgham, chair of the non-profit organisation, which provides care services in North Yorkshire and York, said: 

“The staffing crisis is now so bad that providers are battling day-to-day to cover shifts both in homes and in looking after people in their own home.

“Many say it is the worst they have known in more than 30 years and so we need urgent action now before the added pressures of winter turn this into a total meltdown.”

Mr Padgham has also previously spoken of his “dismay” over compulsory vaccines, saying the government is creating another barrier to recruitment and “forcing people to do something against their will”.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid last month urged care workers to book their vaccine appointments as soon as possible with the “grace period” ending on 11 November.

How many, or how few, staff choose to do so could well determine how well care homes cope in the coming months.

Strong objections to Northern Energy plan to move from Hampsthwaite

Residents and parish councils have lodged strong objections to plans for a major oil and gas company to relocate to Marton-cum-Grafton.

Northern Energy is currently based In Hampsthwaite and has had its headquarters in the village for more than half a century.

However, the company tabled proposals to Harrogate Borough Council in February to move to Limebar Lane, one kilometre from the village of Marton-cum-Grafton and next to the A168.

The firm, which has an annual turnover of £27 million, supplies more than 50 million litres of oil and liquid petroleum gas across the UK each year.

But two parish councils have written to the council to object to the plans.

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They say the development is inappropriate and would have “unacceptable consequences”, such as loss of agricultural land, increase in traffic and the proximity of the site to local residents.

Arkendale, Coneythorpe and Clareton Parish Council wrote to the council to object in “the strongest terms”.

It said:

“The other consequence is of course that valuable agricultural land will be lost. 

“Such land is increasingly being lost to development and for us to be as sustainable as a nation we need to preserve our agricultural capacity rather than rely on importing foodstuffs from abroad.”

Meanwhile, Marton-cum-Grafton added in its response that the development was “not of exceptional quality” and “does not enhance its immediate setting nor is it sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area”.

The application has so far attracted 33 comments to the council, with 32 of those objecting and just one in support.

Council officials will make a decision on the proposal at a later date.

Company has “outgrown” its site

However, Northern Energy has said it has outgrown its current site and needs to move.

The plans include 10,000 square feet of office space, a vehicle depot, LPG and oil storage tanks and a new car park.

The site would accommodate 30 office staff and 20 operations staff.

The proposed Northern Energy site off the A168 as submitted to Harrogate Borough Council in planning documents.

The proposed Northern Energy site off the A168 as submitted to Harrogate Borough Council in planning documents.

In documents submitted to the council, the company said the current location was “beginning to hinder business”.

It said:

““Such is the success of the business, the company have now outgrown their current premises on the edge of Hampsthwaite.

“Indeed, the location of the facility, some distance from the local highway network, and the absence of oil and fuel storage capacity on site is now beginning to hinder the business.”

Northern Energy is currently consulting on its plans to relocate. Residents can have their say on the plans here.

Nidderdale Charity Walk returns for 27th year today

Walkers are set to flock to Nidderdale today for the annual charity walk and run.

The Nidderdale Charity Walk and Run, which is organised by The Rotary Club of Harrogate, is returning for its 27th year and aims to raise money for charitable causes while encouraging people to keep active.

Over the years, participants have raised money for a number of charities including Harrogate Hospital and Community, Dementia Forward and Harrogate Easier Living Project.

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The rotary club also offers those causes which have received 10 or more supporters an 80% donation of the entry fees their fundraisers have paid.

Held annually, five routes will be included in this year’s event with a mixture of distances ranging in distance from four to 26 miles.

All walks start at Pateley Bridge Scout Hall and lead into Upper Nidderdale, with some going beyond into Lofthouse and Ramsgill.

Councils have ‘dodged hefty bill’ with cancellation of Tour de Yorkshire, says councillor

Yorkshire councils have “dodged a hefty bill” with the cancellation of the Tour de Yorkshire 2022, a senior councillor has said.

Cllr Andy Solloway, who sits on North Yorkshire County Council, said he was not surprised the cycling race was cancelled for a third year in a row and that he believes councils would have had to fork out more cash to the organisers if it went ahead.

The county council backed the race with £100,000 and set aside a further £100,000 to underwrite any failure to gain sponsorship.

Co-organisers Welcome to Yorkshire also received the backing of other councils including Craven, Barnsley, Richmondshire, East Riding, and Redcar and Cleveland which agreed to underwrite the event by £100,000 to cover any sponsorship losses.

The extra funding came on top of the £100,000 each council in race start and finish locations had already agreed to.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Cllr Solloway said: 

“It seems to me that the Tour de Yorkshire’s unviability would have meant that local councils were in line for subsidising rather than underwriting as we were assured at the time, which was actually less than a couple of months ago.

“I think councils with their stretched funds may have dodged a hefty bill here.”

Disruption to people

Welcome to Yorkshire said the decision to cancel the event was made due to “financial challenges” and after “lengthy discussions” with co-organiser Amaury Sport Organisation.

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The race would have seen a four-day men’s event going from Beverley to Redcar, followed by Skipton to Leyburn, then Barnsley to Huddersfield and Halifax to Leeds.

A two-day women’s race was also planned for the middle two stages.

The cancellation comes after the 2020 and 2021 legs of the event were called off due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Cllr Solloway, who is also leader of the Independent group on Craven District Council, added: 

“While I think that there will be many disappointed, I also think that there are others that will take a different view and not relish the disruption.

“I am wondering if Welcome to Yorkshire knew that this was going to happen, but still pushed ahead with trying to get the councils on board.”

‘A line had to be drawn somewhere’

Councils which were approached by Welcome to Yorkshire to provide financial support but did not make any decisions included Leeds, Calderdale and Kirklees.

A spokesperson for the organisers said: 

“Welcome to Yorkshire’s commitment to the Tour de Yorkshire is in a facilitatory capacity to organise, plan and deliver the race.

“Funding has always come via a combination of local authorities paying for the right to host a start or a finish of a stage and commercial partners paying for sponsorship, engagement and branding opportunities.

“Welcome to Yorkshire has been transparent through the whole process with regards to the increased costs and delays in planning because of covid-19.

“Increasing commercial demands meant a line had to be drawn somewhere as it was becoming not viable despite how disappointing this may seem.”

Three covid deaths recorded at Harrogate hospital

Three covid deaths have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital.

According to latest NHS England figures, two deaths were reported on September 1 and another on September 2.

It takes the death toll since March 2020 from patients who tested positive for coronavirus to 184.

Meanwhile, the Harrogate district has reported 100 covid infections, according to today’s Pubic Health England figures.

It’s the highest daily figure recorded in the district since July 19.

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The district’s weekly infection rate now stands at 341 per 100,000 people, which is above the North Yorkshire rate of 308 and the England average of 301.

According to the latest figures, Harrogate District Hospital is treating 11 patients for covid.

Elsewhere, 126,939 people have received a first covid vaccine in the Harrogate district and 115,524 have had a second dose.

Eco-house to be built in two days at Harrogate climate festival

An eco-friendly house is set to be built in just two days at this year’s Harrogate District Climate Action Festival.

The home will be one of the main features at the festival, which will be held at Harrogate College next month.

Pure Haus, a Leeds-based company that builds eco-friendly homes, said the home will demonstrate passive house principles, which means it requires very little energy and results in near zero carbon homes.

The design and construction principles include high insulation, airtightness and high performance windows.

Kevin Pratt, director of the company, said designing and building such houses helps to reduce carbon emissions and reach climate targets.

He added he hoped the ‘show pod’, which will be brought in on a crane lorry and put together in two or three days, would give an insight into how homes can be built on eco-friendly principles.

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The festival, which takes place from October 1 until October 21, is being coordinated by the Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition.

It will include a range of guest speakers, including Professor Andy Shepherd, who is professor of earth observation at the University of Leeds, and Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones.

No booking is required and attendance is free.

Danny Wild, principal of Harrogate College, said:

“We are proud to be hosting the launch day for this festival as its aims align perfectly with the college’s commitment to sustainability and a greener future.”

Major Ripon employer Wolseley celebrates 50 years in city today

One of Ripon’s biggest employers is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary today.

Wolseley UK, which supplies building materials, is holding a family open day to coincide with the reopening of its head office.

The company, which employs more than 320 people in the city, is set to welcome all employees back today after its offices underwent a £500,000 refurbishment.

Face painting, a coconut shy and a performance from the Ripon City band will take place.

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Mayor of Ripon, Eamon Parkin, will cut the ribbon on the grand reopening.

Danny Bryan, employee engagement officer at Wolseley, said:

“Naturally, we’re incredibly excited about this step forward for our business, and it is sure to have a profound, positive impact on the local community worth shouting about.”

The company began life in Ripon in 1971 as The Wolseley Hughes Group.

It was based on Boroughbridge Road, where it remains to this day, and was made up of three companies OBC, Yorkshire Heating Supplies and Granville Controls.

In 1985, the company expanded its site and by 1996 was known as Wolseley Centres.

Parent company Ferguson sold Wolseley UK to a private equity firm, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, for £308m in January.

Harrogate district reports 82 covid infections

The Harrogate district has reported another 82 covid infections, according to today’s Pubic Health England figures.

The district’s weekly infection rate now stands at 322 per 100,000 people, which is above the North Yorkshire rate of 296 and the England average of 291.

According to the latest figures, Harrogate District Hospital is treating 11 patients for covid.

The hospital has not recorded any covid deaths in the last 24 hours, according to NHS England statistics. However, two people have recently died at the hospital after testing positive for coronavirus.

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Those two deaths followed a four-month period at the hospital when it did not record any coronavirus deaths.

It means the number of people at the hospital who have died from covid since March 2020 stands at 181.

Elsewhere, 124,608 people have received a first covid vaccine in the Harrogate district and 114,696 have had a second dose.

Former Harrogate Advertiser editor set to be given freedom of the borough

The former editor of the Harrogate Advertiser looks set to be made an honorary freeman of the borough.

Harrogate Borough Council will next week consider giving the title, which was last given in in 2012, to Jean MacQuarrie.

The accolade recognises people of distinction and “in the opinion of the council rendered eminent services to the district”.

The last time the council bestowed the freedom of the borough was in 2012 when former chairman and chief executive of Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate, Jonathan Wild, was given the title.

There were calls this summer for Harrogate district resident Gareth Southgate, the England manager, to receive it.

Ms MacQuarrie retired this year after 41 years in local journalism. She was appointed editor of the Harrogate Advertiser in 1988.

She was also involved in local organisations, including Yorkshire Agricultural Society, Harrogate Theatre and the Army Foundation College.

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In a report due before the council’s general purposes committee next week, the authority said Ms MacQuarrie “worked hard to promote and support the town and district during her 33 years as editor”.

If approved, an extraordinary council meeting will be called to confer the title on Ms MacQuarrie.

She will be invited to the meeting to sign the Roll of Honorary Freemen following the council’s approval.

 

Ripon to get two CCTV cameras after ‘mini crime wave’

North Yorkshire’s police, fire and crime commissioner has pledged to pay for two CCTV cameras in Ripon following a “mini crime wave”.

The two cameras are set to cost £10,000 each, but Philip Allott, the county’s police, fire and crime commissioner, has said his office will foot the bill.

It follows a spate of anti-social behaviour in the city, including an alleged knifepoint robbery of a teenage boy Bondgate last month. A 17-year-old boy and a 21-year-old man were later charged and remanded in custody.

Mr Allott told a meeting of North Yorkshire County Council‘s Skipton and Ripon Area Constituency Committee today that his office was willing to pay for the extra cameras, but warned that other measures would have to be taken to bring down crime.

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He told councillors that police already had resources to investigate and apprehend offenders and that other measures to take kids off the streets were needed.

Mr Allott said:

“In Ripon where there has been a mini crime wave, primarily thanks to four families where the perpetrators have been held on remand pending court appearances. We need to work with partners.

“I can make sure the police have resources and indeed in Ripon they have, to investigate and apprehend offenders but we need to look at diversion stuff we can do.

“The city council yesterday evening is keen to get not one but two extra cameras from the borough council. We will fund that and the cost is £10,000 each.

“But somebody has to do that application to my office, I cannot do that application alone.

“Equally, we do need councillors in particular to help in terms of local partnerships and safety hubs to help us with the diversion stuff that we can provide to take kids off the streets.”