Business

Selective licensing decision looms for Sheffield landlords

Sheffield Council’s consultation on selective licensing of landlords in the London Road, Abbeydale Road and Chesterfield Road corridors is set to close this week. The plans could see over 1,000 tenants gain extra protections from health hazards as well as better housing conditions if additional regulations are put in place. Landlords have expressed concerns and some claim it would lead to them having to charge more rent. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Jonny Butcher an organiser at Acorn tenants union.

Equalities survey finds employers failing on women’s rights

British employers are described as ‘living in the dark ages’ and having worrying attitudes towards unlawful behaviour when it comes to recruiting women, according to a new report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission. In a survey of more then 1000 private sector business managers around a third agreed it is reasonable during recruitment to ask women about their plans for children in the future. Charlotte Mead, of the Sheffield branch of the Women’s Equality Party told Sheffield Live! she is not surprised by the findings. Baillor Jalloh reports.

New employment rights planned for gig economy workers

The government is planning to introduce new laws that could benefit millions of workers including rights to holiday and sick pay from day one in a job and the right of zero hours and agency workers to a stable contract. Martin Mayer, secretary of Sheffield Trade Union Council, welcomed the announcement but told Sheffield Live! that more needs to be done. Baillor Jalloh reports.

Sheffield awarded Social Enterprise City status

Sheffield has won a national award recognising it as one of the UK’s hot-spots for social enterprise, businesses with a social or environmental mission. Social enterprise is a fast growing and important part of the local and national economy helping to re-generate communities, create jobs where they are needed most and reduce inequalities. The award was granted by Social Enterprise UK. Nick Coleman reports for Sheffield Live!

Google Garage online into 2018

The pioneering Google Garage training centre in Sheffield is to be extended for a further six months before moving on to other parts of the UK. The pop-up internet shop has being offering a programme of events together with advice and support for internet users. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to trainer May King and music artist Javan Wright.

Council seeks views on landlord licensing scheme

Sheffield Council are set to launch a thirteen week consultation on a new landlord licensing scheme to improve the safety and standard of privately rented homes and how they are managed. The proposals are to include a selective licensing scheme for sections of London Road, Abbeydale Road and Chesterfield Road, after inspections found three in four rented properties in the area had safety issues that were exposing people to serious risk. The council will be asking local landlords, residents, tenants and businesses to comment on the proposals which would affect around 1,000 homes in a four mile stretch. The consultation opens on 27 November and runs for an eight week period. Baillot Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Pub campaigners delight at Council ruling

Sheffield Council has agreed for the Cherry Tree Pub on Carter Knowle Road to be listed as an Asset of Community Value, following a community-led campaign. The ruling puts on hold an application to knock the building down to build a new Co-op Food store. Pub owners Enterprise Inns are set to appeal the decision. Baillor Jalloh spoke to Mike Hodson, secretary for the Carter Knowle and Millhouses Community Group.

Council plans Attercliffe area development

Councillor Mazher Iqbal, cabinet member for business and investment, has spoken to Sheffield Live! about ambitions to develop the Attercliffe neighbourhood. While city centre developments are proceeding at a pace, the Attercliffe area, which includes the listed Adelphi building, has seen little recent investment. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!

Anti-fracking campaigners march in Eckington

Hundreds of campaigners and local residents joined a No Frack Day rally at the proposed INEOS fracking site near Eckington. The rally began at Coal Aston Village Hall with a march to the proposed site in Bramleymoor Lane, off Marsh Lane. Campaigners highlight the dangers of fracking and are urging the government to promote safer and sustainable energy sources. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!