Sheffield Council leader Terry Fox and deputy leader Julie Grocutt have called for government action to address the growing concerns about the future of Liberty Steel. The company has key sites in Stocksbridge and Rotherham employing around 2000 people and having a wider strategic role in the local economy. HMRC has issued winding up orders on the company causing uncertainty for the future and a risk of job losses. Trades unions are also calling for government intervention. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Charlotte Childs, national officer for the GMB Union.

Unions representing staff in schools across the Catholic Diocese of Hallam have written to the Secretary of State for Education to begin legal action over letters they informing them they would be forced to join multi-academy trusts. The National Association of Head Teachers says the only way schools can be forced to become academies is if they are eligible for intervention and none in Hallam are currently in this category. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Rob Kelsall, national secretary for the NAHT.

Trades unions and activists are planning protests in Sheffield and across the UK this weekend following the increase in the energy price cap and the growing cost of living crisis. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Martin Mayer, secretary of Sheffield Trades Union Council.

Citizens Advice Sheffield is urging struggling families and those on lower income to check if they are missing out on benefits entitlements to help cope with rising energy prices. The government has announced that from October millions of households in England, Wales and Scotland will receive a £200 repayable discount on bills with a further £150 council tax rebate for most households in England to help cope with soaring energy bills. Labour has described the support as a “buy now, pay later scheme”. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Frances Potter, research and campaign lead at Citizens Advice Sheffield.

The University of Sheffield played host to this year’s UniBrass, the world’s only inter-university brass band competition and one of the UK’s largest student-run events. Over 750 students from 22 universities came to Sheffield to perform their own-choice 20-minute sets, designed to impress and entertain the adjudicators and audience. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Voirrey Baker, chair of UniBrass organising committee.

The NHS has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres, SARCs, which provide free, accessible support services for anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. The campaign has been launched as part of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Weekand and responds to evidence during the Covid-19 pandemic that there is a lack of awareness of the support services available. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to NHS GP, Dr Sara Kayat.

Further information:
Sexual assault referral centres provide a safe space and dedicated care for people who have been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. If you have been raped, sexually assaulted or abused and don’t know where to turn, search “sexual assault referral centres” to find out more or visit www.nhs.uk/SARCs to find your nearest service.

The Youth Association charity’s new Street Smart scheme aims to improve skills, attitudes and prospects for young individuals aged between 13 to 19. The project, supported by funding from the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit, involves street-based workshops, supplemented by sports, social action and other initiatives. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Rebecca Coyne, lead youth worker for Youth Association Street Smart programme.

The fate of Sheffield Council’s chief executive, Kate Josephs, is set to be decided by a cross-party committee after it emerged she held a leaving party in December 2020 during the pandemic lockdown. Josephs previously led the government’s Covid-19 taskforce before her appointment to lead Sheffield Council. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

A fundraising campaign has been launched to help sustain Broomhall Homework Club after Sheffield University decided to cut its funding. The club, which started over three decades ago, supports around 50 students at any one time with most being from ethnic minority communities in the local area. The students, aged from eight to 18 years receive help with reading and spelling, through to GCSE revision and A-level course work. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jallh spoke to Jillian Creasey, chair of the board of trustees.