A Grimsby factory will produce millions of personal protective equipment (PPE) masks to support health workers and businesses across the UK during the pandemic thanks to foreign investment secured by the Department for International Trade.

With machines installed, Hygiene Austria plan to begin mask production this week and the project will create around 60 new jobs in the area.

The company is set to produce around 10 million mouth-nose safety and FFP2-masks per month which are often used by healthcare professionals as well as coloured face masks for children.

The Department for International Trade helped Hygiene Austria collaborate with key suppliers and UK health services to meet demands for PPE, keeping trade flowing and building diverse supply chains as the nation looks to sustainable recovery from this pandemic.

Ranil Jayawardena, International Trade Minister said:

Sourcing PPE for our frontline workers is so important to this government and – through international trade and investment – it’s great that we’ve been able to help local people by creating good jobs, making vital supplies here in Britain.

Through building contacts and exploring opportunities across the country, DIT assisted Lenzing to set up facilities in Grimsby for the British market. This shows what we can do for Grimsby and is testament to our innovation and excellence in this field.

During these challenging times, DIT colleagues – both in Britain and around the globe – stand ready to help companies expand and invest, as we all work together to combat this ghastly virus.

Founded in April 2020 to produce face masks for those in need during the global pandemic, Hygiene Austria was set up as joint venture between Lenzing and Palmers Textil.

Those behind the venture say they hope it can also contribute greatly to the local economy in North East Lincolnshire by providing the vital PPE needed to ensure workplaces can keep operating.

Phil Munson, Managing Director at Grimsby said:

We are eager to play a leading role to ensure the primary health care to the UK population as a key supplier teaming up with our NHS. Moreover, we can count on highly experienced service and maintenance personnel here in Grimsby.

Although proud to work for Lenzing and its strong Austrian background, many of the team at the Grimsby plant were born locally and are keen to help in any way they can to support and strengthen the local economy. We are proud to both create jobs, support our fantastic NHS and care workers and support local businesses wherever we can.

This success story is a sign of things to come as domestic production is being ramped up across the UK. The Government recently announced a boost in domestic production with companies signing contracts to manufacture over 2 billion items of PPE in the UK, including facemasks, visors, gowns and aprons.

The Department for International Trade alongside colleagues in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for Health and Social care have been working around the clock since the outbreak began to provide PPE for our frontline workers. As the nation looks to diversify supply chains for future investment, new avenues are being unlocked to secure vital equipment in the fight against coronavirus.

Notes to editors

• 60 new jobs are expected to be created within the next 3 months
• Lenzing already employs 210 people at the Grimsby site.
• Machines have been installed and are undergoing commissioning with production of masks planned for this week

About the Department for International Trade (DIT)

DIT helps businesses export, drives inward and outward investment, negotiates market access and trade deals, and champions free trade. We also secure UK and global prosperity by promoting and financing international trade and investment.

We champion free trade by:

• supporting and encouraging UK businesses to drive sustainable international growth
• ensuring the UK remains a leading destination for international investment
• opening markets, building a trade framework with new and existing partners which is free and fair
• using trade and investment to underpin the government’s agenda for a Global Britain and its ambitions for prosperity, stability and security worldwide.

DIT support during Coronavirus

The Government is supporting businesses and employees through a package of measures to help manage the impact of coronavirus (Covid-19). These measures include financial support packages for businesses, support for employees’ wages and Export Insurance Policy (EXIP). Visit the Business Support website for more information about these additional measures and find guidance here for UK businesses trading internationally.

The Environment Agency has launched a second period of consultation on Endless Energy’s application for a permit to build and operate a waste incinerator at a site on Aire Valley Road, Keighley.

Local residents and interested groups are invited to submit any new relevant information on the draft decision for Endless Energy’s proposals for a waste incinerator in Keighley before a final decision is made on whether the permit is issued.

The Environment Agency is minded to issue the permit following a rigorous environmental assessment of the proposed activities, taking into account all of the comments made in the first consultation that closed on 13 December 2018.

The draft permit sets out conditions needed to protect air quality, groundwater and surface water to ensure the safe storage, management and disposal of wastes. It will also impose conditions to minimise the risk of accidents, noise and odour and also maximise energy efficiency. If the permit is issued, the Environment Agency would robustly enforce these strict conditions to ensure that Endless Energy’s operations do not cause harm to people or the environment.

Carly Chambers, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

Following our assessment of the application, we believe that the proposal meets the legal requirements of the Environment Permitting Regulations and that it will be designed, constructed and operated in a way that will not harm human health or the environment. Unless any new information comes to light which significantly changes our assessment we will be legally obliged to issue the permit.

Our regulatory controls for the incineration of waste are in place to protect people and the environment. We do not permit activities that pose an unacceptable risk.

This further stage of consultation gives the public and interested groups an opportunity to see our decision making process, have their say on the draft environmental permit and bring to light any new information that they believe may require us to modify or change our final decision.

Responses to the consultation can be made electronically or by post although we would encourage all who can to respond electronically. This will facilitate the consultation during the Covid-19 restrictions.

We have also extended the consultation period from 4 weeks to 6 weeks. The consultation period will start on 8 June 2020 and conclude on 21 July 2020.

To access the application documentation, visit the consultation website at: consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/psc/bd21-4lw-endless-energy-limited-epr-zp3537at

People can comment on the proposals by responding directly on the website or emailing pscpublicresponse@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Envelopes containing postal responses must be clearly marked ‘Endless Energy Consultation’ and be sent to Environment Agency, Permitting and Support Centre, Land Team, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield, S9 4WF.

This year’s Carers Week theme is to help us all come together and make caring visible.

This year, unpaid carers have the additional worry of how to keep themselves and the person they care for safe during the coronavirus outbreak, so it is important they have the information, guidance and support they need.

There are 6.5 million people in the UK who are caring for a family member or friend with an illness, disability, addiction or mental health problem, yet many of these unpaid carers feel isolated and that their caring role is hidden.

1 in 7 of these carers will also be working as well as caring.

Caring can be rewarding but also challenging. Many unpaid carers are currently dealing with more challenges than ever before. It is important that carers know how to look after their own health and wellbeing, and that we all recognise the contribution that unpaid carers make.

Caring impacts on all aspects of life, from relationships and health to finances and work, and caring without the right information and support can be tough and should not be underestimated.

West Cumbria Carers runs a Workplace Carers Champion Scheme which enlists volunteers to become the ‘voice’ of carers in their workplaces and is continuing to establish and develop a network of Carers Champions and training sessions at Sellafield Ltd.

Suzanne Pender is the chair of the Family Support Network at Sellafield and the Carers Sub-group are a part of this network.

Suzanne said

This is a challenging time for everyone, but particularly people with caring responsibilities, many of whom are not visible in our community.

The Sellafield Carers Group can provide peer support and sign-posting, helping employees to manage both their home and work commitments more effectively.

Stephen Scott is leading the Carers Sub-group and said:

A workplace Carers Champion is someone who, through training, is aware of the stresses and strains a working carer may be facing and how West Cumbria Carers can support them. It is possible that a carer may not actually identify as such in the workplace, but through approaching and chatting with a Carers Champion feels comfortable enough to talk about their caring responsibilities with them.

I am proud to be leading the Carers Sub-group who help signpost the Sellafield Ltd workforce to possible available help.

Angela Longrigg, Volunteer and Projects Manager and Andrea Carlton, Adult Support Manager who work together in running the Workplace Carers Champion Scheme at West Cumbria Carers said:

Sometimes even just a few words from someone who understands your situation can be a lifeline for carers.

Caring can be lonely and isolating, so speaking to someone who has had a similar experience can make a big difference. Workplace Carers Champions can make that difference.

As part of the response, it has been announced that DCMS will launch a call for evidence into the impact of loot boxes on in-game spending and gambling-like behaviour later this year.

Loot boxes are items within video games that can be purchased or earned where the player does not know what they will get until after the transaction is completed. These can include power-ups and cosmetic upgrades, known as skins.

The video games sector is a key part of the UK’s world-leading creative industries, contributing £2.6 billion in 2018 and growing more than 16 times faster than the wider UK economy since 2010.

However, the DCMS Select Committee’s report on Immersive and Addictive Technologies highlighted important issues facing some users in this fast-changing space.

The response published by the department today sets out the steps the government is taking to address these concerns and protect audiences across the UK.

Minister for Digital and Culture, Caroline Dinenage, said:

During the coronavirus pandemic, we have seen more people than ever before turn to video games and immersive technology to keep them entertained and to stay in touch with friends and family.

These innovations can present challenges though as well as opportunities, which is why we are taking the necessary steps to protect users and promote the safe enjoyment of this dynamic industry.

The government has committed to tackling issues around loot boxes in response to serious concerns about this model for in-game purchasing. A call for evidence on loot boxes will examine links to gambling-like behaviour and excessive spending in games. The findings will provide a solid foundation for future steps and will be considered alongside a review of the Gambling Act.

In addition to the call for evidence, the government will contribute to further research in this area. DCMS will set a framework for a programme of research into the impact of video games on behaviour, informed by workshops with academia and industry.

The increased time at home in recent weeks has highlighted the increasing popularity of esports in the UK through events linking gaming to traditional sports like the Formula One virtual Grand Prix series and the ePremier League Invitational. Today’s response also includes plans to develop on the potential of this burgeoning industry whilst ensuring the safety of competitors and audiences is paramount. DCMS will host a ministerial roundtable with a wide range of stakeholders to explore the future of esports in Britain.

The full response to the Select Committee report can be read here. Further details on the measures announced, including the call for evidence, will be released in due course.