Sandwell Council's licensing committee had a tumultuous year, revoking licences for pubs and shops over stabbings, illegal workers, fake vapes, and knives sold to children. Discover the full story.
Your guide to the UK's New Year's Eve fireworks laws. Know the 1am cut-off, buying restrictions, and penalties to avoid fines or prison. Stay legal this celebration.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's visa ban threat prompts Angola and Namibia to cooperate on deportations. The DRC faces sanctions for non-compliance. Read the latest on UK immigration policy.
Female council workers across the UK have won over £1 billion in back pay after a major GMB union campaign. Discover the details and what it means for 2026.
Amazon is launching a major crackdown on illegal streaming via Fire TV Sticks in the UK. Experts warn users of cybersecurity risks from piracy, including malware and data theft. Read the full details.
Part-time workers could qualify for a workplace pension by working just 15 hours a week from April 2026, thanks to a National Living Wage rise. Find out if you're affected.
UK households with Amazon Fire TV Sticks are warned they could face £1,000 fines for illegal streaming. Learn the new TV Licensing rules for services like Disney+ and Prime Video.
Thousands of UK part-time workers will qualify for workplace pensions from April 2026, needing just 15 hours a week. Discover how the rising National Living Wage boosts retirement savings.
Birmingham is a major hotspot for illegal sports streaming, with residents facing prison and fines. FACT is targeting the West Midlands in a national piracy crackdown.
Birmingham is a major hotspot for illegal sports streaming searches, new data reveals. Residents risk heavy fines and prison. Discover the shocking figures and legal warnings.
HMRC urges all UK workers to check their pay this Christmas after identifying £5.8m in arrears for 25,200 underpaid staff. Learn your rights and how to report underpayment.
Retail leaders warn Labour's new workers' rights legislation will lead to fewer jobs and hurt high streets. Read the full industry reaction and analysis.
Birmingham City Council's new Mobile Enforcement Vehicle will patrol streets from January 2026, using cameras to fine drivers parked on zig-zags and bus stops. Find out what it means for you.
Birmingham City Council's new Mobile Enforcement Vehicle, equipped with HD cameras, will patrol from January to catch drivers parking illegally on zig zags and bus stops. Find out how it works.
A 29-year-old Indian national was detained in Handsworth for allegedly advertising illegal people smuggling services on social media. A second man was found illegally in the UK. Read the full details.
A 29-year-old Indian national was detained in Handsworth on suspicion of advertising people smuggling on social media. The NCA and West Midlands Police seized electronic devices in the raid. Read the full details.
Experts warn UK households using 'fully loaded' IPTV devices of malware, scams, and legal risks. Discover safe, legal alternatives for streaming entertainment.
Labour MP criticises DVLA's enforcement as 'not touching the sides' of the illegal number plate crisis. Over 1,000 warning letters sent to suppliers in 2025.
Birmingham's Bullring shopping centre has issued a direct appeal for kindness towards retail staff during the busy festive season. The centre's social media campaign reminds millions of visitors to show respect.
Birmingham's Bullring shopping centre issues a public reminder to be kind to retail staff during the festive rush. See the campaign and public reaction.
A Rugeley man has been convicted after running an illegal pet shop from his council house, neglecting animals including endangered species. Read the full story and learn how to buy exotic pets responsibly.
Bus station workers and customer service staff in the West Midlands walk out for a second time, rejecting a 3.2% pay offer. UNISON warns of disruption to transport and projects.
A fresh dispute has erupted in Birmingham after agency bin workers were offered a £600 cash incentive to work over New Year, angering striking council staff. Read the full story.
Trading standards and police seized over 54,000 cigarettes and fake perfumes in Wolverhampton raids. Action is now being taken against the businesses involved. Read the full update.
A Birmingham man has been sentenced for trying to smuggle 80 alligator heads from America to sell on eBay. Read the full story of the unusual wildlife crime.
A second Tamworth shop has been forced to close for three months after being caught selling illegal and counterfeit tobacco. Read how the council and police are tackling crime on the high street.
West Midlands Police flood Birmingham with 150+ officers in Operation Advance to tackle violence, anti-social behaviour, and illegal e-bikes. Read the full details.
Birmingham City Council denies union claims it is hiring new agency staff for 'strikebreaking' as bin strike escalates. Get the latest on the dispute.
UK households warned to check garden sheds for banned metaldehyde slug pellets. Storing or using them is now illegal and could result in a fine. Check and dispose safely.
A major UK-wide operation has raided over 2,700 premises, seizing millions in illegal goods and making 924 arrests. Discover the details of the crackdown on unsafe and counterfeit products.