What does a recession mean for Greater Manchester?
These headlines and statements this morning are enough in themselves to set alarm bells ringing, but what does a recession actually mean? And how is this set to impact Manchester moving forwards?
The Chancellor has made no bones about it: The UK is in for tough times.
These headlines and statements this morning are enough in themselves to set alarm bells ringing, but what does a recession actually mean? And how is this set to impact Manchester moving forwards?
What is a recession and how does it affect people?
The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on nations worldwide, causing the value of goods and services – widely known as a country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – to plummet.
This has led to economies shrinking.
When shrinking occurs over two consecutive quarters (basically six months in a row), it is known as a recession.
The last recession was the 2007-08 global financial crisis, when GDP in Britain fell by over 6%.
However, the latest stats from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that GDP in 2020 has fallen by a whopping 20.4%.
Many big nations have also suffered, with Germany and US suffering large declines.
But the stats show that the UK is officially one of the worst-hit countries in the continent.
Manchester City Council Leader, Sir Richard Leese, has already said that “recovering from the impacts of the coronavirus period and getting the city back on a positive trajectory is the greatest challenge we have faced in our lifetimes.”
The cold hard facts are that many more people in Manchester will lose their jobs as a result of the UK being in a recession.
Finding a new job can also prove more challenging in this sort of economic climate. Companies are left facing increased costs, which may mean they are reluctant to hire.
Property values can also fall drastically.
However, this recession has long been anticipated. The council is putting a recovery plan in place – where ‘steps will be taken to support the city’s business base and help residents into employment while continuing to bring forward development and initiatives to stimulate the economy’.
Mr. Leese added: “We will be working closely with Manchester residents and businesses, as well as health services and other partner organisations including the voluntary and community sector, to keep this great city moving forwards. We want to ensure that nobody gets left behind and everybody can contribute to the recovery.”
The most recent UK recession more than 10 years ago lasted for over 12 months, but a lot will depend on how businesses can get back on their feet.
The expectations are that the economy will see significant improvement if a vaccine is found.
Whilst Chancellor Sunak spoke of ‘difficult choices’ having to be made over the coming months, he did offer a ray of optimism for the tricky path ahead.
“We will get through this,” he pledged.
“And I can assure people that nobody will be left without hope or opportunity.”
News
Police tell gig-goers to ‘remain vigilant’ as Oasis Live ’25 hits Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Anyone lucky enough to be heading to Heaton Park for the Oasis Live ’25 gigs this summer is being told to ‘remain vigilant’.
Manchester is all set for a sensational summer of sound, as more than 300,000 music fans prepare to descend on our city to see a little-known band called Oasis (sarcasm detected) reform for the first time in over a decade.
And today is finally the big day after what has been a very long-time coming.
With the Gallagher brothers staging five nostalgia-drenched gigs at Heaton Park starting today (11 July), Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has now issued some important advice and information for gig-goers attending what is likely going to be one of the best live shows of their life, and what is sure to be a momentous moment for the city.
Oasis Live ’25 Manchester gig-goers told to ‘remain vigilant’ / Credit: The Manc Group | Simon Emmett (Publicity Picture)
GMP confirmed that it will be working with partners to ensure Oasis’ homecoming shows ‘pass by safely’ on 11, 12, 16, 19 and 20 July.
Planning has been underway within GMP over the past six months, alongside our partners at Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), and many more.
Police officers will be present around the Heaton Park site, working with event security staff to ‘prevent crime and disorder’, while off-site patrols will also assist with traffic management and policing in the surrounding areas and the city centre.
Efforts are also underway to ‘minimise disruption’ in Manchester city centre and the surrounding areas, GMP confirmed.
We’ll be working with partners to ensure Oasis’ homecoming shows pass by safely at Manchester’s Heaton Park starting from this Friday.
Planning has been underway within GMP over the past six months alongside our partners.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) July 10, 2025
“Our priority is to ensure everyone’s safety,” explained Assistant Chief Constable, Matt Boyle.
“We have worked closely with event organisers and partners to make sure the event is safe and enjoyable for those attending, whilst minimising any crime or antisocial behaviour impacts on local residents.
“We will have a large and highly visible policing operation in place in Heaton Park, the city centre, and on routes into and out of the venue to help people enjoy the event. We also have neighbourhood police officers and staff in place who are dedicated to dealing with local residents’ concerns.
“Our advice to fans attending is to enjoy yourselves but to remain vigilant, keep your belongings safe, and report anything suspicious to police or security staff so we can act on it.”
Major Co-op Live concert cancelled with fans already inside venue
Daisy Jackson
Major Co-op Live gig Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled this evening – after fans had already entered the venue.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO were set to perform the second of two nights at the huge Manchester venue tonight, as part of their final UK tour.
The Over and Out Tour should have been taking place on both the 9 and 10 July before heading to London’s BST Hyde Park Festival on Sunday.
But the show has been cancelled minutes before the legendary band were due to take to the stage.
Fans had already taken their seats inside the massive Co-op Live Arena when the news broke that the gig would not be able to take place ‘due to illness’.
77-year-old Jeff Lynne himself, who recently broke his hand in an accident, is said to be ‘devastated’ that he is unable to perform.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled at Co-op Live
A statement from the band said: “Unfortunately due to illness tonight’s (Thursday 10th July 2025) scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne’s ELO at the Co-Op Live will not be going ahead.
“Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening.
“More information will become available as soon as possible. For refunds please go to your point of purchase.”
According to fans, audiences inside Co-op Live were told the show was cancelled with just 45 minutes to go.
One person wrote: “The concert that never was. Cancelled with 45mins to go. Get well soon Jeff Lynne.”
Literally mins after this picture was taken Jeff Lynn cancelled 😞 @JeffLynnesELO Broke his hand a few days ago and has played the best he can and well done to you ! But then decides to cancel 2nd night n Manchester very last minute ! But it’s ok just ask for a refund !!! 😡 pic.twitter.com/wv1JfWPwk5
The Manc -
12th August 2020 
