Birmingham bins strike: 2025 timeline and 2026 outlook
A timeline of the disruptive Birmingham bins strike, from major incidents to megapickets, and what residents can expect as the dispute continues into 2026.
A timeline of the disruptive Birmingham bins strike, from major incidents to megapickets, and what residents can expect as the dispute continues into 2026.
A mother recounts the devastating Boxing Day fire that destroyed her home, caused by a coiled extension lead. She urges others to check their insurance and electrical safety. Read her story and learn the crucial fire safety lesson.
A mother and her two young children died in a Boxing Day house fire in Gloucestershire. Her husband, a police officer, survived after a desperate rescue attempt. Read the full story.
Staffordshire firefighters warn of deadly e-bike and e-scooter fires. Learn crucial safety tips for charging and storing lithium-ion batteries to protect your home and family.
A mother and her two young children, aged 4 and 7, have died in a horrific house fire on Brimscombe Hill, Stroud, in the early hours of Boxing Day. The father, a police officer, escaped. Read the full story.
Birmingham City Council confirms revised bin collection dates over Christmas and New Year 2026. Residents warned NOT to put blue-lid recycling bins out due to ongoing strike action. Check your new dates here.
A Nuneaton family had a lucky escape after a child's bedroom filled with toxic smoke from a charger fire. Firefighters issue a stark warning about 'daisy chaining' extension leads. Check your electricals now.
A major Birmingham road was closed for hours after a building fire required 20 firefighters. Read about the disruption and bus diversions.
Three people remain unaccounted for after a devastating house fire on Brimscombe Hill, Stroud, in the early hours of Boxing Day. One person was hospitalised. Emergency services are on the scene.
Firefighters demonstrate the dangerous mistake that can cause a turkey to burst into flames. Learn their crucial safety tips for a hazard-free Christmas dinner.
A Birmingham pensioner is dreading festive waste as the city's bin strike continues. Lorraine Boyce, 80, has recycling from last Christmas still stored in her home. Read her story and the latest on the industrial action.
Hazel Holmes appeals for information after her husband John, 80, died from asbestos-related cancer. The former engineer worked at UK power stations in the 1970s. Can you help?
A four-year-old Cocker Spaniel named Holly has joined West Midlands Fire Service as an accelerant detection dog. She will help uncover evidence in deliberate fires. Read her story.
A father-of-three dying of silicosis was told his benefits could be stopped if he missed an in-person DWP appointment while on oxygen in hospital. Read the shocking case.
Explore Birmingham's fading 'ghost signs' - hand-painted adverts on brickwork that offer a unique glimpse into the city's industrial and commercial heritage. Discover where to find them.
Birmingham residents face more missed bin collections after protests at a council depot. The city's long-running industrial dispute continues to cause disruption. Read the latest updates.
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.
Over 30 firefighters battled a significant blaze in a derelict Birmingham factory. Six crews attended the scene on Barr Street. Read the latest updates on the incident.
A major fire broke out at a derelict three-storey building on Barr Street, Birmingham. Road closures are in place as multiple fire crews tackle the blaze. Avoid the area.
The Labour government begins repealing the Minimum Service Levels Act, calling it 'unworkable'. Unions hail the move as a victory for workers' rights. Read the full update.
Nissan's Sunderland plant boss Adam Pennick hails Government measures for EVs but calls for the Industrial Strategy to be turned into real action. Business Minister Chris McDonald outlines new support.
A major fire involving 300 tonnes of scrap metal erupted in Birmingham's Hockley area. 35 firefighters battled the blaze, with residents warned to keep windows closed. Read the full details.
Up to 35 firefighters battled a major fire involving 300 tonnes of scrap metal waste in Hockley, Birmingham. Park Road remains closed as crews work to extinguish hotspots.
Up to seven crews tackled a major waste fire on a Hockley industrial estate. Residents warned to keep windows closed as smoke spreads. Read the latest updates.
A devastating fire ripped through the G Simmons & Sons pork scratchings factory in Bloxwich. The family-run business vows to rebuild. Read the latest updates.
A major fire ripped through a commercial building in Bloxwich, Walsall. West Midlands Fire Service deployed ten crews. No casualties reported. Read the latest.
Junior doctors in England will stage a five-day strike from December 17th after BMA members overwhelmingly rejected a government offer. The walkout coincides with record flu cases, sparking a patient safety row.
Birmingham City Council denies union claims it is hiring new agency staff for 'strikebreaking' as bin strike escalates. Get the latest on the dispute.
The DWP's Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit pays £225.30 weekly to those under state pension age with one of 70 eligible conditions. Find out if you can claim.
Which? experts say modern smartphones handle overnight charging well, but London Fire Brigade warns of fire risks from improper practices. Learn how to charge safely.