Over 700 calls to whistleblowing hotline in first few weeks
More than 700 calls have been made to the council’s coronavirus whistleblowing hotline since its launch, it has been revealed.
As of the end of Monday Birmingham City Council had received 739 ‘contacts’ via the hotline, which was established on August 11 for people to report any concerns they might have around businesses in the city.
That is an average of around 35 calls every day.
With Birmingham being placed on the national coronavirus ‘watchlist’, the ‘hotline’ allows residents to get in touch with the council either by calling a dedicated number or by filling out a form on the council website.
People are encouraged to get in touch, according to the website, to report: businesses being open for business whilst the guidelines state to remain closed, businesses encouraging workers to come into the workplace even when they are symptomatic or have been in contact with someone who is, businesses not carrying out risk assessments in line with Government requirements, businesses not following Government Covid guidelines, eg: correct use of PPE and hand washing facilities or businesses with inadequate barriers and other protection measures.
“If you are concerned that a business or venue is not following the Government’s regulations then we would like to hear from you,” the council’s website states.
“We have enforcement staff to deal with any issues of concern, so if you are aware of any businesses or venues ignoring the government’s rules, please let us know by completing this form.
“When you contact us you can remain anonymous, but you may choose to provide your name and contact details so we can contact you for more information and this will be in strictest confidence.”
Birmingham was first placed on the national ‘watchlist’ on August 21, with the city designated ‘an area of enhanced support’ by the government.
And just a few days later the council was granted new powers to shut down businesses and premises not adhering to coronavirus guidelines, while a dedicated police hotline has also been established to report individuals, households and gatherings.
“As of the end of Monday we were at 739 contacts,” a spokesman for the council said.
“This is a mixture of phone and web. There is no further breakdown at this time.”
If you have concerns around the way a business is operating, you can get in touch with the council here birmingham.gov.uk/xfp/form/755
