The number of deaths and hospital admissions as a result of knife crime in Greater Manchester has seen a “significant reduction”, according to new figures.
The new figures have been released as the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) – which was set up in 2009, and brings together Greater Manchester Police (GMP), National Probation Service, health and education professionals, youth justice and local authorities to address the underlying causes of violent crime and work together with communities to prevent it – has published its annual report this week.
The VRU says it report attempts to detail the impact of its work in reducing violence and building aspirations among young people living in the region.
New figures from the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit's annual report show a significant reduction in hospital admissions due to assault by a sharp object, and homicides involving a knife.
— Greater Manchester Combined Authority (@greatermcr) May 11, 2023
According to the figures published in the report, there were fewer than 90 hospital admissions due to assault by a sharp object among victims aged under 25 in 2022 – which is down by 17% compared to 2021, and down by 26% compared to the year pre-COVID.
There has also been a “significant decrease” in the number of deaths too, as in 2022, they were down by 27% compared to 2021.
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So-called ‘knife enabled homicides’ were also down by 19% compared to 2021.
Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor Kate Green – who also serves as the region’s lead on policing, crime, criminal justice, and fire – says it’s “positive” to see some progress in the figures and to see knife-related attacks and deaths on the decline.
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Number of people killed or injured in knife attacks ‘significantly’ down in Greater Manchester / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“These reductions are the result of the hard work of the VRU, Greater Manchester Police, partner organisations, and our communities, who all work tirelessly to keep our young people safe and to educate them in the devastating consequences of serious violence,” Ms Green added.
“However, we know we are still not where we need to be.
“People living in Greater Manchester do continue to be victims of serious violence and knife crime, and tragically sometimes lose their lives.
“Through continued funding from the Home Office, and the implementation of the Serious Violence Duty, the VRU, GMP and all our partners, will continue to work with young people across Greater Manchester to lead them towards alternatives to violence, and ensure our communities are safe now and in the future.”
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
News
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.
Emily Sergeant -
16th May 2023 
