Party night dates: 4th, 10th, 17th, 18th, 20th December 2015 Sold Out : 5th, 11th, 12th 19th
Celebrate in style at Carrow Road. Enjoy a glass of chilled Prosecco on arrival, a spectacular view of the pitch and a traditional three course Christmas dinner, complete with all of thetrimmings, and home cooked by Delia’s team of Chefs. Then, dance the night away to all of your favourites played by our fabulous DJ.
All inclusive drinks packages available, more information to follow…
Top of the Terrace Norwich City Football Club 7pm to 1am, dinner served at 7.45pm
£40 per person Reserve your date now with a £10 non refundable deposit per ticket
In the recent Court of Appeal case of Okedina v Chikale, it has been confirmed that, in certain circumstances, a contract of employment can still be enforceable where there has been a breach of immigration rules.
Facts
Mrs Okedina and Ms Chikale are both Malawian nationals. Mrs Okedina and her husband have lived in the UK for some time, but had brought Ms Chikale to the UK to work as a live-in domestic worker in July 2013.
Ms Chikale was granted a six-month visa further to Mrs Okedina having applied for a visa on her behalf, based on false information.
When the six-month visa expired, Mrs Okedina kept Ms Chikale’s passport and told her that she would arrange for an extension. Ms Chikale therefore remained in the UK and continued working for Mrs Okedina.
Mrs Okedina’s false application for an extension, forging Ms Chikale’s signature, was refused, as was an appeal, of which Ms Chikale was unaware.
Throughout her employment, Ms Chikale was required to work seven days a week, for very long hours, and was paid only £3,300. Ms Chikale was summarily dismissed and evicted from the house in June 2015, after she requested more money.
Claims
Ms Chikale pursued a number of employment tribunal claims including unfair dismissal, unpaid holiday and unlawful deductions from wages. Mrs Okedina attempted to rely on the ‘illegality defence’ on the basis that Ms Chikale’s contract of employment was unenforceable because it was either illegal or illegally performed since November 2013.
However, judgment was given in Ms Chikale’s favour at both employment tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal level. Mrs Okedina therefore appealed to the Court of Appeal, but was unsuccessful.
Appeal
The Court of Appeal noted that there are two forms of illegality which may have resulted in the contract being unenforceable:
1) statutory illegality
2) common law illegality.
Statutory illegality
The Court considered whether Ms Chikale’s contract was unenforceable because her employment was in breach of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 (“The Act”). Given that The Act does not prohibit a person from employing someone in breach of immigration restrictions, but provides for civil and criminal penalties to be imposed instead, the Court concluded that an innocent employee without the appropriate immigration status should not be deprived of their ability to claim.
Common law illegality
The Court decided that Ms Chikale did not knowingly participate in the illegal performance of her contract in view of the fact that she relied on Mrs Okedina to deal with her visa situation, that Mrs Okedina used false information, that Ms Chikale did not sign the false extension application form and that Mrs Okedina kept Ms Chikale away from the immigration appeal hearing. The contract therefore could not be rendered unenforceable at common law.
Conclusion
This claim was very specific to the facts eg the innocence of Ms Chikale in the circumstances, which may not always be the case. However, there are additional situations in which a person may not be aware that they are working illegally, such as employees of large companies which take responsibility for obtaining the necessary permissions for foreign employees or victims of trafficking.
Carla Gowing is a Norwich Employment Solicitor. For advice or to arrange an initial meeting, call 01603 660 811 or email carlagowing@hatchbrenner.co.uk
Individual Training Certificates are to be issued to each Company. The things you will learn: Summary of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety). Basic principles of Fire Risk Assessment. What Fire Marshals/Wardens must do if they discover a fire. The correct way to raise the alarm. The procedure for calling the Fire Service, explaining changes to ARC response. What to do when you hear the fire alarm, including human behaviour. Compartmentation. Routine checks. The practical use of fire fighting equipment.
Subsidised heavily by Discover King’s Lynn, King’s Lynn BID. Tickets only. Available to King’s Lynn BID Levy payers only.
Do you have any ideas of an activity or experience that could appeal to visitors?
These free online workshops by the EXPERIENCE project are aimed at anyone who either already works in tourism in Norfolk or has ideas for an activity or experience that may appeal to visitors.
Workshop 1: Tap in to what visitors really want: An introduction to experiential tourism
Workshop 2: How to develop a visitor experience
Chris Brant, Tourism Business Advisor from Unmissable England, will lead both interactive workshops on behalf of the EXPERIENCE project. In his spare time, Chris is an experience maker – running visitor experiences from his home, including baking scones in a thatched cottage and hosting vineyard tours with wine and gin tasting.
In our first workshop, Tap in to what visitors really want: An introduction to experiential tourism, we’ll give you insights about how creating visitor experiences can help you capture the imagination – and bookings – of tourists. This includes experiences that are part of your day-to- day life that you might not realise could appeal to visitors, as well as adapting an activity you already offer or creating a brand new experience.
Chris will offer expert advice about how experiential tourism can help boost visitor numbers, using inspirational case studies. He’ll also give you his top tips on how to create a perfect experience.
Participants will also have the chance to take part in a Q&A session with two organisations that have come up with creative new visitor experiences to successfully boost business.
In the second workshop, How to develop a visitor experience, we’ll offer hands-on support to participants to learn how to use the inspiration of the rich history, culture and nature of Norfolk to create new visitor experiences.
You will be encouraged to exchange ideas about factors to consider when creating an experience, including target audiences, accessibility and sustainability, and pricing.
Chris will explain how you’ll be able to promote your new experiences via EXPERIENCE, online travel agents and the travel trade.
You’ll also have the chance to ask questions, and to network with fellow participants.
Attending the first workshop is strongly advised but not mandatory for attendance to the second workshop.
These events are open to any organisation, business or individual with or without previous involvement in tourism looking for insights and inspiration about ways to create memorable experiences for visitors outside the typical peak tourism season – which will help you establish, or expand into, a new market.
REGISTER NOW
Workshop 1 (choice of two dates)
To register to the session on Tuesday 25 May, 10-11.30am click here
To register to the session on Tuesday 8 June, 6.30-8pm click here
Workshop 2 (choice of two dates)
To register to the session on Tuesday 15 June, 10am-12.30pm click here
To register to the session on Thursday 24 June, 6-8.30pm click here
Search engine optimisation (SEO) is used by businesses and companies across the world to get websites ranking higher up Google and other search engines. The ultimate premise is that the more ‘ranking signals’ and ‘ranking factors’ a website satisfies, the higher it will rank online. However, the accepted standard is set by Google, although other search engines like Bing, Yahoo and Baidoo have some of their own specific ranking factors.
When it comes to being found by customers though, targeting the best searches and search terms for your business is really what is key in the first instance. If for example you are selling serviced office spaces and meeting rooms, you wouldn’t attempt to target searches relating to mobile phone cases or mortgages (source: Brentano), as such terms would incorporate far less relevant prospective customers.
Therefore, most businesses will turn to either ‘generic’ or local searches in order to capture the best customers for their business. Generic searches are those that specify the item or service or relevant service area, without specifying geographical areas. Local searches are those which target searches around specific geographical locations.
Generic Targeting
Generally, when you target generic and non-geographical search terms online, you will need to focus on the wider industry or product area. This will all be in addition to the usual Google and search engine factors such as meta data, crawling factors, website speed and performance, website content and others.
For example, in the case of content you will need to think about writing about the things that people will be looking for information around, encompassing the wider industry rather than specific areas and products. You will also not need to spend too much time looking for local and location-limited links. Rather, you will more than likely need to be looking for guide, business and general news-style websites for PR and backlinks.
Local Targeting
When you are trying to locally target specific, local searches, you will need to consider what people in the geographical area are likely to be looking for and what they are likely to want in the case of content. For example, the content on your website will need to be focused on the area and geographical area in question. If you were trying to target ‘estate agents in Westminster’ for example, you would need to look at local area information and statistics when planning the content for your website.
You will also however need to satisfy the generic ranking signals and factors, as they are key to getting your locally targeted content on the radar for search engines. When it comes to links and PR, look at local businesses, local media, newspapers and even ambassadors and councils who may be able to promote you to the local community; this is something search engines notice and should not be overlooked
Make sure you book your Christmas Party now. The EEEGR Christmas Ball 2015 promises to be a night to remember, and the perfect opportunity to entertain staff and clients alike.
Drinks reception to start at 18.30 followed by a three-course traditional Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings, there will be live music, with entertainment provided by the popular Lee Vasey Band. For those who don’t want to stop dancing a disco will follow the live music. Carriages at 1am.
Bauer Media’s audioXi arrives in Norwich, giving East Anglian businesses new ways to advertise with precision. With the region’s mix of agriculture, tourism, and growing tech sectors, audioXi’s data-driven approach allows advertisers to target commuters, shoppers, and leisure travellers alike.
With over 14.5 million monthly listeners, local brands can connect with audiences across smart speakers, mobiles, and in-car audio, making campaigns highly relevant and measurable.
“audioXi is about putting local advertisers in control, with targeting that reflects real behaviours in Norwich and Norfolk,” says Nathalie Marshall Account Manager at Bauer Media. “audioXi provides local brands with the power to connect with customers whether they’re on their commute, at home, or listening via smart speaker.”
audioXi also offers advanced measurement and retargeting, ensuring advertisers see real ROI. Local marketers can now access dynamic creative, interactive formats, and contextually relevant audio campaigns, all supported by Bauer’s trusted environment.
Course Venue: The Nest, Holt Road, Norwich, NR10 3AQ.
This Ofqual regulated, HSE compliant qualification will ensure all learners have the skills and knowledge to serve their organisation as an Emergency First Aider, able to provide treatment to their casualties in a prompt, safe and effective manner.
A range of subjects are covered including:
Responsibilities and reporting
Assessment of the situation
Dealing with an unresponsive casualty
Basic hygiene in First Aid
Resuscitation and AED awareness
Minor injuries
Bleeding control
Burns
Choking
Epilepsy
Shock
The qualification is valid for three years and a certificate will be awarded on completion. As the HSE recommends that learners also undertake Annual Refresher training, this is included in the qualification. For no extra cost, online Annual Refresher training will be sent to learners on the first and second anniversary of their training date. A certificate will be awarded on completion.
A innovative service by Age UK Norwich has helped hundreds of older people access the financial support they’re entitled to, identifying more than £2 million in unclaimed benefits.
Launched in 2024, the two-year service is designed to tackle the widespread issue of older people missing out on financial help, especially Pension Credit, by offering dedicated support to identify and secure these vital entitlements.
Since its launch, the project has:
Supported 376 older people
Identified 282 as eligible for additional benefits
Unlocked £2,027,478.20 in total benefits
Achieved an average of £5,743.56 per person, per year
Delivered by Age UK Norwich’s experienced advice team, Entitled To More combines traditional benefits advice with innovative outreach strategies. A key element of the service includes developing and testing a “benefits heat map” to target households most at risk of missing out on Pension Credit. Using this data-driven approach alongside trusted local relationships, the team is identifying those most in need, and often the most overlooked.
“Too many older people are going without simply because they don’t know help is there” said Rio Topley, Advice Specialist of Age UK Norwich. “This is about fairness. Everyone deserves to live with dignity in later life, and that means accessing the financial support they’re entitled to. ‘Entitled To More’ is helping us close that gap and make a real difference.”
With the cost of living still high and older people among the hardest hit, this support comes at a crucial time. Norwich is in the bottom 20% nationally for health inequalities, and Age UK Norwich’s outreach work, particularly in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, is making essential connections.
One local resident shared their story “I had no idea I could claim anything – I was just getting by. The support from Age UK Norwich has been a lifeline. I now feel more secure and less anxious about the future.”
The service is part of a wider mission to ensure no older person in Norwich is left behind. From sheltered housing visits to Cuppa Care outreach and advice hubs in community centres, the charity is reaching people wherever they are. Many of those helped are referred by trusted partners, including Norfolk County Council, NHS services, and housing support teams.
Alongside benefits advice, Age UK Norwich also offers emergency assistance through its client hardship fund, providing essentials like food, heating, or white goods to bridge the gap while longer-term support is put in place.
We’ve now entered the second year of the Entitled To More service, and our commitment remains as strong as ever. We will continue to reach those in need, uncover hidden entitlements, and change lives across Norwich. As the service grows, so too does our determination to make sure every older person gets the financial support they deserve.
“Being new to the world of Entitled to More service, it’s been great to see the team’s focus, care, and commitment to supporting those most at risk. Their impact is clear, and I’m looking forward to working alongside them as we build on that progress.” – Charlotte Govier, Age UK Norwich Service Delivery Lead.
If you or someone you know could benefit from a free benefits check, don’t delay:
The Stars of Norfolk & Waveney Awards are on the look out for one last sponsor for the Education Champion of the Year. These awards a run in collaboratin with the Eastern Daily Press and aim to regonsie every day heros – people in our communities who go above and beyond what’s expect of them to make Norfolk such an amazing place to live.
As category sponsor you will receive the following:
• Chance to sit on the judging panel
• Six free tickets to the Awards evening
• Local media coverage is assured, plus involvement from other businesses
• Logos and company recognition on pre-event promotions such as programmes, flyers and posters
• Advertising across all social media – including our website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Supporters Board
• Advertising on the main screen and plasma TVs throughout the evening
• Presentation of the award to the category winner
• Photograph with category winner.
This is your opportunity to join us in singing the praises of local and give them the recognition and appreciation they so rightly deserve.
Course Venue: The Nest, Holt Road, Norwich, NR10 3AQ.
This Ofqual regulated, HSE compliant qualification will ensure all learners have the skills and knowledge to serve their organisation as an Emergency First Aider, able to provide treatment to their casualties in a prompt, safe and effective manner.
A range of subjects are covered including:
Responsibilities and reporting
Assessment of the situation
Dealing with an unresponsive casualty
Basic hygiene in First Aid
Resuscitation and AED awareness
Minor injuries
Bleeding control
Burns
Choking
Epilepsy
Shock
The qualification is valid for three years and a certificate will be awarded on completion. As the HSE recommends that learners also undertake Annual Refresher training, this is included in the qualification. For no extra cost, online Annual Refresher training will be sent to learners on the first and second anniversary of their training date. A certificate will be awarded on completion.
Freebridge Community Housing has once again donated £5000 to seven community groups who are making a difference across West Norfolk through the Freebridge Community Fund.
The annually awarded funding supports community groups who promote health and wellbeing, the environment, support residents or bring communities together through applications of up to £1000 for projects that have a positive impact within West Norfolk.
Representatives from this year’s successful groups were invited to lunch with Simon Smith, Vice Chairman of Freebridge’s Board, alongside the judging panel made up of Freebridge employees and tenants, where they had the opportunity to talk about their charities and the plans they have for the money they have now received.
This year the recipients of funding were the:
West Norfolk Deaf Association – who received £655 towards running a number of deaf awareness sessions for local organisations
South West Norfolk Youth Opportunities Project – who received £500 towards the purchase of furniture at the main centre
Downham Market Arts – who received £750 towards helping the group establish themselves in a new location
King’s Lynn Winter Night Shelter – who received £1000 towards providing clean laundry to their guests
Pandora Project – who received £750 towards helping support their annual domestic abuse conference
Woodcraft Folk – who received £750 towards setting up a new Woodcraft Folk group at the Discover Centre in King’s Lynn, and the
North End Trust – who received £595 towards making space available for community groups to use.
Tracy Mahoney, Service Manager at the Pandora Project said “We are delighted to receive funding from Freebridge Community Housing towards our annual domestic abuse conference for professionals. This event is very popular with local agencies and offers the opportunity to learn more about the support available for women and children affected by domestic abuse while promoting a more joined up approach to working. We are delivering workshops, speakers and networking and through backing from our sponsors the event is free for agencies to attend.”
Simon Smith, Freebridge’s Vice Chairman, also met with the charities and said “It’s always rewarding to meet with representatives from groups that are doing such valuable and much-needed work in the area, particularly given Freebridge’s vision of supporting a better West Norfolk. It is very pleasing to hear about how the money received from the Freebridge Community Fund is providing very real help to a number of extremely worthwhile projects in the area.”
Caption – Representatives from the successful community groups alongside Simon Smith, Vice Chairman of Freebridge’s Board and employees and tenants from the application judging panel.