This year our council workers have worked diligently, and in some cases outside their usual roles, to continue to provide the services that matter to local people. Throughout the Christmas and New Year period, many will continue to do so to ensure bins are collected, streets are clean and ? if temperatures drop ? clear of ice, meals at home are delivered and community protection patrols continue. I?d like to thank those staff who are working over the festive period at the end of what has been a very difficult year. Click here for information about council services over Christmas and New Year.

Nottingham Jobs, the council?s one-stop shop for job seekers of all ages, has expanded its team and worked virtually during lockdown to provide much-needed support through its many local partners including the local job centres, Futures and partners across the D2N2 region. The team has also worked with local employers, providing recruitment support, most notably in the Health & Social Care sector and through the Kickstart scheme. 2021 looks like being another busy year for the team as they are set to deliver two new protects; Pathways to Health & Social care aims to support more job seekers to join this much needed sector and will provide potential participants with support and the skills to thrive in these important roles. The D2N2 Skills Access Hub is a three year project which will see Nottingham Jobs collaborating with the D2N2 Growth Hub and influential Employment & Skills providers in Nottingham and across the region to enable employers to develop the skills of their workforce, filling vital skills gaps and making their businesses more productive and sustainable. For more click here

I was really pleased to take part in this year?s Nottingham Civic Carol Service. Although it was online, it still managed to capture the essence of our usual celebration at St Mary?s Church. I?d like to say a huge thank you to Nottingham?s schools, choirs & our Faith Leaders from different religions who came together to reflect and celebrate. You can still watch the service online here.

Over the weekend the Government changed the Christmas bubble arrangements, which came into effect on 20 December 2020, following the identification of a variant in the COVID-19 virus. This variant has seen an increase of cases in the south and southeast of the country, resulting in a number of areas moving into tier 4, while across England, Christmas bubbles can only meet on Christmas Day, 25^th December and there is to be no meeting up over the New Year (including New Year?s Eve and New Year?s Day).

The people of Nottingham have worked incredibly hard to reduce the transmission of the virus and I know the changes will have caused great dismay for many, but it is vital that everyone abides by the new rules.

As Nottingham is in Tier 3, you may see a maximum of two other households and you cannot see/form a bubble with anyone from a Tier 4 area. While recognising how hard it can be to maintain good physical and mental health without essential contact with family and friends, you should think very carefully about the risks particularly for those who are vulnerable. Only form a Christmas bubble if you feel you absolutely need to. Wherever possible, discuss alternatives to meeting up in person.

If you choose to form a Christmas bubble click here for information

There is further advice about what is and isn?t allowed in Tier 3 here