A Manchester bus driver who lost her job for being “too short” has received significant support – with 24,000 people signing a petition demanding her reinstatement.
Tracey Scholes – one of the first female bus drivers in Manchester – was dismissed after 34 years behind the wheel when operator Go North West Ltd introduced a new bus model that she was deemed unfit to drive.
Scholes, who stands at 5ft tall, was told she did not have the “capability” to drive the new buses due to adjustments to the vehicles’ wing mirrors and assault screens.
The new dimensions meant that Scholes would need to lean back to use the mirrors, leaving her unable to reach the pedals.
No worker should be cast aside after 34 years of loyal service because of their height @gnwbus@TheGoAheadGroup.
Scholes has been working at Manchester’s Queen’s Road bus depot since 1987.
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Supporters described her as “instrumental in paving the way for other women to take up positions within the passenger sector” and a “hardworking, loved and valued member… who deserves to be commended for her years of service to the traveling public of Greater Manchester”.
The online petition is calling for Scholes to be reinstated with no loss of pay or hours.
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A Go North West spokesperson, however, told The Guardian that the company had “no choice” but to dismiss Scholes, having made “numerous proposals to accommodate” her which had been rejected.
Tracey Scholes was one of the first women to drive a bus in Manchester. 34 years later, she's been sacked after a new bus design means she can't reach the pedals. Her final appeal is Tuesday – all she's asking for is the same no of hours on a diff route https://t.co/UOSIwtWwze
A Go North West rep stated: “The design of the mirrors on our buses was agreed after consultation with Unite some time ago.
“All our other drivers of similar height to Tracey are able to view them safely. Dedicated, experienced, hardworking bus drivers are difficult to find and so we would never act lightly in a situation like this.
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“We are sorry that we were left with no choice but to bring this driver’s employment to an end.”
A final appeal against the decision is due to take place tomorrow (Tuesday 11 January).
Greens hasn’t shared as much detail about its Sale closure.
Simon Rimmer’s Greens restaurant in Sale has announced its immediate closure. Credit: The Manc Group
They wrote: “It is with deep regret that the board of directors and shareholders have decided to close the doors permanently on Greens Sale with immediate effect.
“We’ve done everything possible to make this work, but it is now clear the business is untenable.
“We’d like to thank everyone, team members & guests, who have been on the Greens journey with us.”
It’s another blow to the Manchester’s famous vegan and vegetarian restaurant scene, which has lost the likes of Wholesome Junkies, Vurger Co, and V Rev all shutting down in the last couple of years.
Wholesome Junkies shut down because of ‘skyrocketing costs’, writing at the time of their closure in July: “The figures just don’t add up, it’s no joke and it’s devastating the hospitality industry.”
Northern blocks access to dating apps and websites on-board trains
Emily Sergeant
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Access to dating apps and websites is now blocked on-board trains travelling across the north, it has been revealed.
Northern says there’s “good reason” for taking this decision.
This is because the WiFi provided by the train operator on-board its services travelling across the north of England is delivered under the ‘Friendly WiFi’ scheme, which blocks access to certain categories of content – including those associated with dating.
Websites and apps related to video streaming, gambling, alcohol, adult content, pornography, and nudity are also blocked.
Northern has blocked access to dating apps and websites on-board its trains / Credit: Northern
The company says ‘Friendly WiFi’ – which it has been signed up to since 2017 – ensures its on-board internet service meets “minimum filtering standards” given the fact that children could be present around passengers at all times.
The decision to ban dating apps and websites comes after Northern also urged passengers to stop viewing content that’s “not suitable for work” on its trains and stations in Greater Manchester and beyond, and pleaded for them to “wait until you get home” instead.
Content that Northern considers ‘NSFW’ can range from inappropriate jokes and bad language, right through to offensive topics and explicit material.
The train operator has explained the “good reason” for its decision / Credit: Northern
Northern’s Chief Operating Officer, Matt Rice, said access to “safe and reliable” internet is part of passengers’ expectations.
“Whilst some dating websites and users will operate with appropriate levels of self-moderation, some might not and it’s important that content not suitable for everyone to see or hear, particularly children, isn’t viewed on our trains,” Mr Rice explained.
“It’s simply about ensuring that there is sufficient bandwidth for all our customers to use while they’re on the go.
The Manc -
10th January 2022 
