In a new campaign launched this week, Manchester City Council has joked that unjabbed holidaymakers could face ‘lovelorn island’ this summer in a nod to the smash-hit ITV show currently being watched by millions across the UK.
Warning travellers not to be a mug this summer, local health bosses suggested that those who’ve not topped up their vaccines before jetting off could end up being pied-off by travel companies – potentially leaving them end up unable to reach their destinations as a result.
Calling on people to make sure they top up their COVID vaccine boosters before heading away, David Regan, the city’s Director of Public Health for Manchester, said that “‘Lovelorn Island’ could be the reality destination for those who aren’t up to date on vaccines or travel requirements.”
“Some of our younger travellers may well be inspired to go away as we head to a new season of a villa-based dating show – but […] I’d urge everyone to check, or talk to us about it.”
Manchester City Council has joked that unjabbed holidaymakers could face ‘lovelorn island’ this summer / Credit: Manchester City Council
He continued: “It’s that time when we all start looking forward to a change of scene – which thankfully is possible this year – and we want the whole city to know that it is never too late to come forward for a vaccine.
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“And, for those people who have questions, or may need further support, please do ring our free dedicated helpline.”
Dr Manisha Kumar Medical Director, GP, and Medical Director at Manchester Health and Care Commissioning, added: “Our message is one of support: we will always help and our teams will always have time for you.
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“Even on the day, at a vaccination venue, you can still ask about any detail that’s important to you. It’s crucial that you plan ahead and receive the full course as this will give you the best opportunity for a safe holiday.”
The Council is calling on people to make sure they top up their COVID vaccine boosters before heading away on holiday / Credit: Flickr
Manchester City Council’s free COVID helpline is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm, staffed by a nursing team with a translation service available.
The free number is 0800 840 3858, or you can text 07890 036 892.
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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.
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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 -
23rd June 2022 
