Labour says 100,000 North West jobs are on the ‘scrap heap’ due to Winter Plan
New analysis by the Labour Party, using Office of National Statistics employment data shows that more than a million workers are in these sectors simply dismissed as "unviable" by the government.
Labour has accused Rishi Sunak of throwing one hundred thousand North West jobs on the ‘scrap heap’ in his Winter Economy Plan.
The Chancellor confirmed the conclusion of the furlough scheme last week.
Whilst admitting he could “not save every job”, Sunak said he would be introducing a new six-month plan that would see the government top up wages of “viable” roles in winter.
But Labour has retorted that the support package is “fundamentally flawed” – with industries such as weddings, events, nigthlife, music, arts and sports remaining largely closed and therefore unable to access funding (employers must offer staff at least a third of their usual hours under the new regime).
Labour also argued that the new plan actually makes it cheaper to bring back one employee full-time and fire the other, offering little incentive to keep two part-time staff on board.
Lucy Powell MP, Shadow Minister for Business and Consumers, said: “The Chancellor is consigning whole sectors of our economy to the scrap heap, damaging lives and livelihoods, and threatening the recovery. The failure of Ministers to ensure an effective Test, Track and Trace system means that many businesses are still fully or partially shut down. The decision to shut these firms out of the Job Support Scheme adds insult to injury.
“Labour has called for the government to come forward with an effective plan to recover jobs, retrain workers and rebuild businesses. This isn’t it. Even for those who can access it, the Job Support Scheme is badly designed and could lead to a wave of job losses, because the Chancellor’s sums do not add up for businesses. He must think again, before the jobs crisis reaches tipping point.”
Despite generate billions in tax revenue and employ millions of workers, Labour is predicting the sectors hit hardest will be:
Nightlife – including 6,000 people employed in nightclubs, 42,000 people employed in pubs and bars.
Events – including 15,000 event caterers, 950 people organising and running exhibitions and conferences.
Arts – including theatres and cinemas still shut-down or operating at reduced capacity employing 4,000 people.
Weddings – The number of wedding guests allowed has been halved from 30 to 15, which will hit at least 70,000 weddings. This could cost an estimated £4.8bn, with 127,000 nuptials postponed to 2021.
Sports – employing 48,000 people.
Labour has also said that in the North West specifically, nearly 900 nightclubs, 80 cinemas, 4,540 pubs/bars and 1,750 arts venues will not be able to get the support they need from the Winter Plan.
Whilst some have praised the Chancellor’s latest efforts to protect jobs and prevent mass unemployment in Britain, others feel the measures do not go far enough.
People in the hospitality sector – which must now shut at 10pm – have accused the government of unfairly targeting their industry during the pandemic.
The Treasury argued, however, that keeping industries afloat is highest on their agenda.
“Supporting jobs is our absolute priority, which is why we set out a range of new measures on Thursday including the job support scheme to protect millions of jobs, extending the self-employment income support scheme and 15% VAT cut for the hospitality and tourism sectors, and help for businesses in repaying government-backed loans,” they said in a statement.
Shadow Culture Secretary Jo Stevens said that industries were bracing themselves for a winter of further job losses.
“The UK’s cultural sector is a critical part of our national identity – not to mention a valuable part of the economy,” the MP stated.
“These are skilled, specialist jobs in an industry that had been growing until the covid crisis hit.
“So far the government has promised money to prop up our theatres and concert halls but it’s the people who work in them who are suffering and who are excluded from government help.”
News
Ancoats bar Sammy’s closes after ‘online smear campaign’
Daisy Jackson
A popular late-night bar in Ancoats has announced its official closure after several months of silence.
Sammy’s Bar, which was styled as a retro 70’s diner and stayed open into the early hours, has said the bar ‘is officially no longer’.
In a statement shared on the bar’s Instagram stories, founder Sammy Shonn said that there was been an ‘online smear campaign’ and has decided to sell the bar ‘for my own mental wellbeing’.
The account, and the bar itself, will now be transferred to new owners.
Sammy’s opened in 2019 and was a popular, hidden-bar-style spot for late-night cocktails and DJs.
Their full statement reads: “It’s with regret that I inform you Sammy’s is officially no longer.
“Whilst I vehemently maintain my total innocence against all of the hurtful allegations made against me and my character in a recent online smear campaign, for my own mental wellbeing, I’ve made the difficult decision to sell the bar, along with all its associated assets, including this social media account.
“Thank you to everyone for your custom, your love and your support since 2019.
“Together we created something special. I am now transferring this account to the new owners, who I am sure will post something shortly regarding their plans.”
A petition has been created to make Prestwich’s Oasis-inspired ‘Aldeh’ sign permanent
Danny Jones
We love how Greater Manchester, the UK and, indeed, the whole world have been gripped by Oasis fever – even brands like Aldi, who recently renamed one of their local shops ‘Aldeh’ in honour of Oasis and Manc accents everywhere; in fact, there’s even a petition to make it permanent.
And it’s already starting to gather some steam…
That’s right, the Aldi in Prestwich – or ‘Aldeh’ as we shall hopefully refer to it from now until forever – has seen not just local shoppers in and around Bury, but Oasis fans and even just curious Mancunians visit the location to see it for themselves.
In case this silly but oddly satisfying bit of news somehow passed you by, here it is in all its (What’s the Story?) Morning Glory:
A slightly caricatured and over-the-top impersonation of the most Gallagher-esque voice ever? Maybe. Fun to record? Definitely Maybe.
The sign itself has stood outside the branch located near Heaton Park for just over a fortnight now in honour of the Live ’25 reunion gigs and has drawn plenty of attention.
As described by the creator of the petition, Ella Curtis – a Manchester native herself – “photos of the sign went viral, because it tapped into something meaningful: pride in where we’re from, and in what this city has given the world. In short, Prestwich got its own Blue Plaque.”
Simply entitled, ‘Make “Aldeh” Permanent: A Tribute to Manchester’s Musical Legacy’, you can find a lengthy and surprisingly inspiring explanation detailing why the petition matters down below.
“1. A Tribute to Manchester’s Cultural Legacy
Manchester’s contribution to music – and to British culture more broadly – is unmatched. Oasis gave the world BritPop and helped define a generation. The ‘Aldeh’ sign reflects that heritage in a way that feels authentic, local, and proud.
2. A Source of Local Pride
As a proud Mancunian, I’ve seen the reaction firsthand. The sign has brought a real sense of community, joy, and identity to the area. People stop to take pictures, to smile, to talk. In a time when towns often struggle to feel distinctive, this simple change has sparked something genuinely positive.
3. A Cultural Landmark in the Making
In just a short time, the sign has become a local attraction and even a landmark – a destination for fans. It is a symbol and reminder of how we, as Mancunians all came together to celebrate one of the biggest reunion concerts from one of the world’s biggest bands happening right on our doorstep!
The ‘Aldeh‘ sign might have started as a temporary campaign, but it’s come to mean something more – to this city, to its people, and to anyone who recognises the power of music and place.”
Of course we’ve signed it. (Credit: Screenshot via Change.org)
Already listed on Google as a ‘cultural landmark’, even boasting 5-star reviews, Aldi themselves have responded by saying: “Boss said we also need 10,000 likes and a comment from one of the Gallaghers.”
It’s your time to shine, folks – we’ll worry about the two later.
The ‘Aldeh’ petition page ends with a simple but moving message: “Sign if you agree – let’s make ‘Aldeh’ a lasting part of Manchester’s story.”
Listen, it’s very rare that you see a city, a country and arguably the entire world taken over by a collective obsession and unified love of music and art; with that in mind, you best believe we’re right behind this.
And if you fancy tacking the ‘Aldeh’ sign onto a tour of important Oasis heritage sights in 0161, then look no further.
The Manc -
28th September 2020 
