Iceland has become the first supermarket retailer in the UK to offer a special discount for over-60s.
Acting in response to the cost of living crisis, which is putting increasing pressure on household finances, the supermarket chain has launched a new discount exclusively for their older custoers.
Available to use from Tuesday 24 May, there is no minimum spend required to get the saving. Rather, the only thing over-60s will have to do to receive their discount is show proof of age to their cashier if requested.
The 10% discount can be used both at Iceland and The Food Warehouse, which is part of the Iceland Foods Group.
Age UK recently revealed that three-quarters of older people in the UK (9.4 million) are worried about the rising cost of living.
In response, Iceland is launching the discount across its stores and The Food Warehouse stores in the hope that it will help the older generation cut down their weekly food bill.
The ten percent discount will be available to those over sixty every Tuesday and will apply across all products that include a range of great value meal essentials.
From fresh meats such as roast pork, rump steak, andgammon joint to £1 value frozen veg, Iceland is doing what it can to help the older generation keep costs down across its product ranges.
This also includes everyday essentials, such as Typhoo teabags, Nescafe instant coffee, biscuits and whole milk.
Also available is an array of Iceland ready meals that can be cooked straight from frozen, like chicken curry with rice, cottage pie,and vegetable lasagne.
The 10% discounts will be available in-store only and to receive the over 60s discount, shoppers simply need to show proof of age at the checkout, which could be a driving license, senior bus pass, senior railcard, or ‘Freedom Pass’.
Iceland also provides a free same-day delivery service for shoppers who spend a minimum of £20 in-store, allowing customers to pick up all their fresh and frozen favourites then choose their preferred delivery time.
Iceland will then keep their shopping chilled or frozen until it’s time to deliver it later that day.
Speaking on the new discount, Richard Walker, Managing Director at Iceland, said: “We have a long history of supporting our over 60s customers, such as when we launched ‘Elderly Hour’ at the height of the pandemic.
“The cost of living crisis has made support for these customers even more important, which is why I’m proud that we’re finding new ways to support them, including the launch of this discount. We hope it will help all those in this age category to cut costs where they can.”
Image: The Manc Group
Iceland is the first UK chain to make changes for shoppers based on age.
The 10% discount is the latest in a series of measures the supermarket has rolled out to help elderly customers.
At the start of the pandemic, the supermarket lead the way with its ‘Elderly Hour’ exclusive shopping periods. Iceland also offered £30 vouchers to those receiving state pension as part of a regional trial last Christmas.
Following the success of the trial, the retailer is now exploring a national rollout ready for Summer 2022.
Local LGBTQIA+ football team Manchester Laces are set to play in the FA Cup for the first time ever
Danny Jones
Inclusive football team Manchester Laces are set to break even more new ground are they prepare to compete in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup for the first time ever.
What a truly incredible few years it’s been for the club.
Set to play their maiden match in the female division of the sport’s oldest competition this weekend, Manchester Laces’ Yellows squad will be taking on rival Greater Manchester Women’s Football League (GMWFL) side, Northwich Victoria, in another historic milestone for the local outfit.
Announced last month, the game is now fast approaching, and they’re hoping that plenty of Manc natives will turn up in support.
For anyone unfamiliar with the story, Manchester Laces has grown to become the leading women’s, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ positive sporting bodies in the region.
In fact, as part of a wider family – which includes clubs in Hackney, South London and Limehouse Laces, not to mention players over in Canada too – they’re comfortably one of the biggest in the entire country.
Sticking with MCR Laces alone, founded by Helen Hardy, they have grown so much in reputation and size that they have six different teams besides just the Yellows: the other Manchester squads include the Blues, Greens, Oranges, Purples, as well as the budding new Reds and Blacks.
It’s this kind of impressive expansion and, crucially, representation that has seen them win two Football v Homophobia Awards and Grassroots Initiative of the Year back in 2023.
Side-note: they also happen to have one of our favourite fooy kits of the entire year so far…
Boasting a new regular stadium at Timpson Road and set to take part not only in the North West Women’s Regional Football League (NWWFL)/GMWFL, but now FA Cup and county cup games, 2025 could be their most momentous year yet.
Providing access to countless women and people from within the queer and non-binary community who love the beautiful game and may have otherwise struggled to find an outlet, their work has been crucial in and around Greater Manchester.
With that in mind, taking part in an inaugural run within the prestigious knockout tournament feels like yet another watershed moment for the organisation.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, the club wrote on social media: “In 2021, we started our journey in Div 2 of the GMWFL with the aim of creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all. After winning consecutive league titles and earning back-to-back promotions, we are now a Tier 6 team.
“Yellows are delighted to be stepping into the magic of the FA Cup for the very first time, and we would love to see you there!
Taking place at both Wythenshawe Town FC’s and the Yellows’ own new home ground of Ericstan Park on Sunday, 7 September (2pm KO), we wish them the best of luck.
18-21 year olds can now travel on Greater Manchester’s buses for half price
Emily Sergeant
18-21 year olds can now apply to travel on Greater Manchester’s bus network for half price, it has been announced.
The Bee Network says it is ‘continuing to lead the way’ when it comes to cutting the cost of public transport, with applications for half price unlimited bus travel for 18-21 year olds now open and around 150,000 young people in Greater Manchester set to benefit.
The new pass will ‘better connect’ young people to work, training, or education opportunities.
With the Greater Manchester economy found to be experiencing faster growth compared to the UK as a whole, and with making travel ‘easier, more affordable, and inclusive’ a critical part of the Bee Network’s success, Mayor Andy Burnham announced the half-price bus travel this week, alongside a raft of other improvements across the region.
Some of the other improvements the Mayor announced include more frequent buses, cheaper travel, and new round-the-clock services.
18-21 year olds can now travel on Greater Manchester’s buses for half price / Credit: TfGM
Young people can now buy a 28-day bus travelcard for just £40, which is half the price of adult fares and the equivalent of just £1.43 per day for unlimited travel on any Bee Network bus in Greater Manchester.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) says the new half-price travel is aimed at helping the thousands of young people once their 16-18 ‘Our Pass’ expires, and will support them as they move into further education or the world of work.
“Young people in Greater Manchester have been calling out for an affordable transport option for when their Our Pass expires and this new pass will give them that,” commented Fran Wilkinson, who is the Director for Customer and Growth at TfGM.
The new 18-21 Bee Bus ticket is here! 🙌
Enjoy 28 day’s of unlimited travel on #BeeNetwork buses for just £40. 🚌
Buy yours now on the Bee Network app with an 18-21 Pass ID.
“We know this is such an important time in a young person’s life as they look to go into further education or enter the world of work.
“Now as they explore the many opportunities available to them they will be able to use any Bee Network bus as much as they need to at half the price.”
Fatima Bangoura, who is the Youth Engagement Officer at Youth Leads, added: “The new 18-21 pass opens doors for those who may worry about losing that support once their Our Pass ends, making travel for training, apprenticeships, education and employment far more accessible.”