The Stay At Home Order is officially lifted in England on March 29 as the country takes another big step towards exiting lockdown restrictions.
Following the reopening of schools earlier this month, the next stage of the Government’s roadmap out of national lockdown will proceed as planned from Monday – with a further set of measures being “irreversibly” removed.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson had previously warned that the impact of a third wave of COVID-19 infections being seen in Europe would “wash up on our shores” in due course, but emphasised that England would nonetheless “bash on with the roadmap set out”.
Over the weekend, the PM confirmed that lockdown easing indeed remained on schedule, stating: “And as things stand, I can see absolutely nothing in the data to dissuade me from continuing along our roadmap to freedom, unlocking our economy and getting back to the life we love.”
The changes being made on March 29 allow for more social contact, the return of some outdoor sport, and slightly more freedom in terms of travel.
The ‘Rule of Six’ returns – This means you’re allowed to meet up in groups of six, or two households, anywhere outdoors, but no meeting inside homes is permitted.
Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools, can reopen.
Organised outdoor sports for children and adults are permitted.
Outdoor parent and child groups, with a maximum of 15 parents, can take place.
The “Stay at Home” rule will be removed from March 29.
However, people should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times and routes.
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Travel abroad is still prohibited.
When will more restrictions be lifted?
If the data allows it, further restrictions will be eased on April 12 as part of ‘Step Two’ of lifting England’s lockdown.
This will see the reopening of non-essential retail, gyms, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries and museums – as well as outdoor hospitality and self-catered accommodation.
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Under current plans, further restrictions are then set to be lifted on May 17 – including the resumption of service for the indoor hospitality sector.
The final step of the roadmap commences on June 21, with a view to lifting all lockdown measures by this date.
You can view the Government’s full roadmap to exiting lockdown online.
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Manchester’s newest hotel launches massive recruitment drive with 100+ jobs available
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s newest hotels has launched a massive recruitment drive with more than 100 jobs available to locals.
The Medlock, Manchester’s bold new 401-bedroom hotel – which is born from a partnership between Manchester City Football Club and Radisson Hotel Group, and is set to open later this year in the autumn – is looking for new team members across a wide range of areas, including front of house, housekeeping, engineering, and reservations.
To welcome these new team members onboard, the hotel has now launched a massive recruitment drive with dozens of roles available to local people.
Individuals who bring ‘authenticity, pride, and personality’ to everything they do are encouraged to apply for the roles – which go live early next week (Monday 27 April).
Aimed at boosting employment within the local community, vacancies span front-of-house, housekeeping, engineering and reservations.
The recruitment drive – delivered in partnership with Total People – is being lead by Valor Hospitality, the hotel’s operator chosen for its global expertise and people-first approach to hospitality, and will be offering tailored training programmes that are designed to make careers in hospitality accessible to Manchester residents.
Vocational qualifications across a range of skills will help individuals build confidence and step into rewarding roles in the industry, and it also means prior experience is not entirely necessary.
More than 100 roles will be available to local people / Credit: Supplied
General Manager Richard Pearson says the recruitment drive is a ‘unique opportunity to be part of an exciting partnership’.
“This is a milestone we’ve been eagerly anticipating, building the team that will bring The Medlock to life,” he added. “We’re looking for people who carry the spirit of Manchester with them, people who are proud of where they’re from and passionate about creating something special together.”
As mentioned, all job adverts will go live next Monday (27 April) so hopefuls can get their applications submitted here.
This’ll then be followed by invite-only open days for shortlisted candidates in mid May.
Featured Image – Supplied
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UK passes bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking in ‘historic’ moment
Emily Sergeant
In what is described as being a ‘historic moment’, the UK has now passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from ever buying tobacco products.
It’s been a long time coming, but the final draft of the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill completed its journey through the Houses of Commons and Lords yesterday (21 April 2026), and is now on its way to receiving royal assent to officially become the law.
For those unfamiliar, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will stop people who were born on or after 1 January 2009 from ever taking up smoking.
It will also give Government ministers new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products – including their flavours and packaging, which make them more appealing to younger generations.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has hailed the bill’s passing as a ‘historic moment for the nation’s health’ on the road to creating a smoke-free generation.
The UK has passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking / Credit: Lil Artsy (via Pexels)
“Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm,” Mr Streeting said after the bill was passed this week.
“Prevention is better than cure. This reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain.”
The ban on purchasing tobacco products for those born after 2008 was first mooted by Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Government a number of years back, but was eventually shelved ahead of the 2024 General Election, and then revived again by Labour when they took power.
The bill’s passing parliament has been welcomed by charities and campaign groups – most notably Cancer Research UK.
“This is a historic achievement that will shield our children from the devastating grip of tobacco addiction and help to put an end to cancers caused by smoking,” concluded Michelle Mitchell, who is the Chief Executive Officer at Cancer Research.
The Manc -
22nd March 2021 
