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Uber to create 3,200 more drivers in Greater Manchester

The recruitment drive is part of a national effort to sign up a further 20,000 drivers across the UK.

The Manc The Manc - 17th September 2021

Uber is launching a huge recruitment drive to hire 3,200 more drivers across Greater Manchester as demand soars.

Since the country has opened back up and the hustle and bustle of city life has returned to Manchester once again post pandemic, trips through the Uber app have grown by 15% compared to before March 2020.

The recruitment drive is part of a national effort to sign up a further 20,000 drivers as demand continues to ramp up following lockdown.

All Uber drivers are entitled to at least the National Living Wage – but can earn more.

Uber said that all its UK-based drivers receive holiday pay, are automatically enrolled into a pension scheme, receive parental leave payments, sickness and injury cover, and occupational accident cover.

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They’re also entitled to a whole host of other benefits.

The recruitment drive is part of a national effort to sign up a further 20,000 drivers. / Credit: Unsplash (Dan Gold)

Every Uber driver in the UK is also entitled to be represented by the GMB, the ride-hailing company added.

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Speaking on the new recruitment drive, Ash Kebriti – General Manager at Uber UK and Ireland – said: “As the UK has opened up, demand for Uber rides has soared, meaning that we need more drivers on the road.

“In Manchester, we’ve seen a 15% increase in demand since before the lockdown as people go back to work, restaurants and bars [so] there’s not been a better time to sign up, especially as we’re the only operator to provide all drivers with holiday pay and, where eligible, enrolment in a pension scheme.”

Fancy it then? If you’re interested in learning more about becoming an Uber driver, or are keen to stick an application in, you can do so via the Uber website.

Featured Image – Flickr

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Council calls on public to suggest names for new public square in Stretford

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

The Greater Manchester public is being called on to help name a brand-new public square in the heart of Stretford.

Could we have another ‘Boaty McBoatface’ on our hands? As far as public naming competitions go, the comical suggestion for the name of a new RMS ship back in 2016 – which was then given to a fleet of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) instead – will probably always lead the way as the most well-known entrant.

But now, it’s Greater Manchester‘s turn to give it a go and get creative with their naming suggestions, as Trafford Council inviting the local community to name a brand-new public square that’s set to open in the heart of Stretford next year.

Connecting the newly restored King Street and Pinnington Lane, Trafford Council says the new public square will play “a key part in the transformation of the area” and be a “focal point” for the area – with lots of greenery, seating areas, and spaces to “meet, rest and play” and host events too.

Residents are being encouraged to “put their imprint on the Square” by putting forward their suggestions for its name.

All the entries will be condensed into a shortlist and the public will then vote on their favourite.

With the naming competition fully underway, Trafford residents now have the opportunity to talk to the Stretford town centre team, get creative, and post entries into the voting box that’ll be in place in Stretford Mall up until Sunday 19 May, as well as submit their ideas via the Stretford town centre website.

To come up with their names suggestions, the Council wants residents to take inspiration from these three themes:

  • Heritage – celebrating the fascinating history embedded into Stretford’s identity 
  • Culture – showcasing the rich and vibrant cultural tapestry that defines the essence of the town and its residents 
  • Community  – reflecting the strong sense of unity among Stretford’s residents, making the town a welcoming place to live, work, and socialise.

After submissions are closed, the Stretford town centre forum will then decide on three entries that “best represent the area” and have made best use of the inspiration topics to go to the public vote for the final decision.

A town centre polling station will be open for residents to cast their votes in person, or they can do so online via both a Google form or a range of social media polls.

The public vote will officially close on Sunday 16 June, and the unveiling ceremony will take place at The StretFest on Saturday 6 July, where the winner and name of the new public square will be announced.

Read more:

Fancy shooting a suggestion then? Find out more on the Stretford Town Centre website here.

Featured Image – STC / Bruntwood

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Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79

Danny Jones Danny Jones

Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.

Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.

His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.

Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.

Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute

He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.

Rest in peace.

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Featured Image — Wikimedia Commons

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