From Monday 30th November 2020 Bedford Jobcentre will operate Monday to Friday 8.00am until 6.30pm. Face to face activity will be conducted between 9.00am and 5.00pm and the work conducted before and after these core hours will be telephony/digital based work coaching.

Additionally, the Jobcentre will now be open between 9.00am and 5.00am on Saturdays.

Happy Bedfordshire Day to all! November 28th - John Bunyan's birthday - is a day to celebrate our county and everything about it, from Bunyan to bricks to Bedfordshire Clangers and countless other reasons why Bedfordshire has such a rich heritage and culture to be proud of.

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have been celebrating the occasion this morning. Mayor Dave Hodgson was waving the flag this morning, and he commented on Facebook: "Happy Bedfordshire Day! Whilst we may not be able to meet together, I hope you are able to enjoy a Clanger or have some Chocolate Toothpaste."

As you will have seen the Government has placed Bedford Borough in the new Tier Two - High Alert category for the new Coronavirus restrictions.

We have actually seen a reduction in cases in Bedford Borough in the week to 25th November with 223 cases, down 68 from the previous week, but it is still far too high. Our weekly positive cases is now at 128.7 per 100,000 population. Sadly we have had an increase in our number of deaths, with 6 in the week to 13th November. We are also seeing an increase in the number of inpatients with Coronavirus in the Bedford and Luton & Dunstable hospital sites. You can see the latest snapshot here.

Bedford Borough Council are asking parents to remember to social distance and wear face coverings if possible at the school gates, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Rates remain high in Bedford Borough and as children and young people have been returning to schools following half term the Council is asking everyone to play their part.

Today, 26th November is Carers Rights Day, and Liberal Democrat Cllr and Bedford Borough Council Adult Services Portfolio Holder Councillor Wendy Rider has paid tribute to all unpaid carers across Bedford Borough, and stressed how important it is that they are aware of their rights and the advice and support available locally.

With national restrictions coming to an end next week, the Government has announced that Bedford Borough will be in Tier Two- High Alert from Wednesday 2 December.

This means:

• you must not meet indoors with anyone you do not live with or who isn't in your support bubble.
• groups of no more than six people can meet outdoors, including in a private garden
• pubs and bars must remain closed, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals, and must stop taking orders at 10pm and close by 11pm
• indoor leisure centres and entertainment venues can open
• organised outdoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes can take place
• organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes will only be permitted if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live/bubble with

The Jobs Hub is here to help residents of Bedford Borough find employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities.

COVID-19 has caused many uncertainties in the job market, with people struggling to find employment and some looking to retrain to pursue new career paths, The Jobs Hub is available to all residents of Bedford Borough who would like support and guidance to help them.

This year, the Bedford Sports Awards would be celebrating its 25th anniversary. These Awards recognise and celebrate the sporting achievements of individuals, clubs and teams in Bedford Borough, and the crucial work of coaches, volunteers and others in making these happen.

While the usual awards ceremony cannot take place this year due to the measures in place to slow the spread of coronavirus, Bedford Borough Council still wants to recognise our local sporting heroes.