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UK supermarkets have been ranked from cheapest to most expensive

The consumer comparison website Which? looked at the prices in Tesco, Aldi, Sainsbury's, Lidl, Asda, Waitrose, Morrisons and Ocado as part of their research - comparing trolleys of 78 items (a mix of food and household essentials).

The Manc The Manc - 15th July 2020
Nathália Rosa on Unsplash

A new study compiled by Which? has revealed the best choice of supermarket for a more economic weekly shop.

The consumer comparison website looked at the prices in Tesco, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Lidl, Asda, Waitrose, Morrisons and Ocado as part of their research –  comparing trolleys of 78 items (a mix of food and household essentials).

The study, conducted in June 2020, revealed that Lidl is currently the cheapest supermarket in Britain right now.

A trolley at this supermarket totalled just £72.02.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, rival discount store Aldi came a close runner-up.

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Étienne Godiard / Unsplash

A trolley-full at the German-born budget supermarket set buyers back £72.23.

Asda and Tesco clocked in at third and fourth – with shops costing £80.15 and £88.28 respectively.

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Morrisons (£90.27) and Sainsbury’s (£93.93) sat at the higher end of the price spectrum, but there were two clear ‘leaders’ in terms of cost.

A shop at Ocado cost £109.61, whereas Waitrose turned out to be the most expensive of all at £111.77; almost £40 more expensive than Lidl.

Here’s how UK supermarkets ranked from cheapest to priciest in June 2020:

  • Lidl: £70.02
  • Aldi: £72.23
  • Asda: £80.15
  • Tesco: £88.28
  • Morrisons: £90.27
  • Sainsbury’s: £93.93
  • Ocado: £109.61
  • Waitrose: £111.77

News

Swinton women’s Lionesses rebrand is officially off the ground

Danny Jones Danny Jones Swinton Lions women's team rebrand as Lionesses

Following an initial announcement late last year, local rugby club Swinton Lions’ women’s team has finally and fully rebranded as Manchester Swinton Lionesses.

The Salford-founded rugby league club, whose men’s team competes in the RFL Championship, has a long and rich competitive history, as well as a fervent male and female following in the area.

As one of the most important and well-established outfits in women’s rugby, Swinton Lions have not only officially relaunched as the Lionesses from 2026 onwards, but are looking to re-establish themselves as their own entity and a competitive powerhouse capable of competing at the top level.

In case you hadn’t heard about the rebrand up until now, you can get a closer look at changes not only to the name but the club crest and more.

As you can see, not only is the shift towards Manchester rather than just strictly Swinton a concerted effort to broaden the supporter base across all 10 boroughs, but there are some key tweaks to the new Lionesses badge.

Changing the design of the lion logo itself – as well as citing 2020 as a key date in this rebirth (i.e. the short-lived push to be renamed the ‘Manchester Lions’), which is more than half a decade in the making – they’re heading into the new year with both a new name and a slightly new look.

Just as reported by the likes of sports journalist Johnny Davidson back in November, however, the title and insignia have been a long time coming.

As per a press release by the club at the time, besides new kits and some key admin, “This evolution is about more than a new name or logo; it’s about creating a platform for women and girls across Greater Manchester to be inspired, to belong, and to believe they can achieve greatness in our sport.”

They insist that the aim is to be a “progressive club that’s proud of its history but unafraid to innovate”, also looking to attract new investors and commercial partners – such as Superfly Sports Flags, which will now appear on the likes of players’ shorts and boot bags, as well as around Heywood Road.

Women’s captain Sammi Simpson went on to state: “We’re so proud of what this team has achieved in such a short time, and this next step feels like a natural evolution.

“Wearing ‘Manchester Swinton Lionesses’ on our shirts will remind us of where we’ve come from — and how far we can go together. We want to inspire the next generation of players, supporters, and families to be part of something special.”

Even Mayor Andy Burnham has expressed his excitement, adding: “Manchester is a city built on sport, strength, and community — and the Manchester Swinton Lionesses embody all of that.

“This new identity is a powerful statement about where women’s rugby league is heading and the role Greater Manchester will play in shaping that future.”

As any rugby fan will know, this isn’t the only rebirth of a local sporting institution currently taking place over in Salford.

Interview | New Salford rugby league co-owner Mason Caton-Brown on the future of phoenix club
‘We want to get it right.’

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Featured Images — Manchester Swinton Lionesses RLFC (via website/Instagram)

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New landmark chickenpox vaccine begins UK rollout to protect thousands of children

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A new landmark chickenpox vaccine is beginning its rollout across the UK in a bid to help protect hundreds of thousands of children.

Chickenpox is a common infection in children that spreads easily.

It is usually mild but it can lead to serious complications which need hospitalisation, including chest infections and fits. The latest Government data indicates that half of children will contract chickenpox by the age of four, and 90% by the age of 10.

Currently, children who catch chickenpox are typically advised to stay off school until all spots have formed a scab – which is usually five days after the spots appear.

But now, this new vaccine will mean children can miss fewer days in nursery or school, and reduce time parents need to take off work to care for them.

Surprisingly, it’s estimated that around £24 million is lost in income and productivity every year in the UK due to childhood chickenpox, so not only will the new vaccine rollout save money this way, but it is also expected to save the NHS a whopping £15 million a year in costs for treating the common condition.

The new vaccine comes following a recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisations – with a combined MMRV vaccine replacing the MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox (varicella).

From now on, GP practices on the NHS will start to offer children the combined MMRV vaccine at 12 months and 18 months of age.

Dr Claire Fuller, who is the National Medical Director for NHS England, called the rollout a ‘hugely positive moment’ for children and their families.

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“From now, the combined vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox will be available at children’s routine vaccination appointments to keep children healthier and prevent sickness from these highly contagious viruses,” commented Dr Fuller.

“The new vaccine will also help the health service move its focus from sickness to prevention, and keep more children safe and in school.”

Featured Image – Jonny McCullagh (via Wikimedia Commons)

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