fbpx
Connect with us
https://propermanchester.com.temp.link/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/secret-suppers-advert.jpg

News

Aldi shares urgent message with shoppers about new face mask rules

Changes come into effect on Friday…

Avatar photo

Published

on

David Clark / Geograph

Aldi has sent out an email update to customers regarding the new face mask rule coming into place this Friday. 

From July 24th shoppers in England are required to wear a face-covering while shopping and can be refused entry if they do not. 

Despite the clear guidelines, some shoppers have been left confused.

Aldi has issued an update to shoppers via email on how the rules will work in its stores. 

The email reads:

“Last week, the Government announced that face coverings will be compulsory in shops in England from 24th July and, for that reason, you will need to wear a face covering to enter one of our stores from this date.

“If you wish to purchase a face covering, they are available to buy at every Aldi store in the UK.

“Even as the country opens up again, I know many are concerned about safety and do not want the steps we are taking to move forward, to mean we take a step backwards in the fight against the virus. It is crucial that we all continue to act safely and responsibly, while also enjoying the little parts of normal life that are gradually returning.

“That is why I want to reassure you that the comprehensive safety measures we put in place at our stores at the start of the pandemic are still very much in place – and will remain so for as long as they are necessary.”

Like many other stores, Aldi put in place a whole range of safety measures. These include: 

  • A traffic light system at store entrances to accurately manage the number of people in stores at any one time
  • Protective screens at all 7,000 checkouts
  • Social distancing markers in store
  • NHS, blue light and vulnerable priority access hour
  • Clear signs throughout stores that advise customers on how to shop safely, in line with the latest Government guidance
  • Contactless payments increased to £45

Aldi’s CEO has urged shoppers to maintain a safe distance from each other, shop alone where possible and use contactless payments. 

He added: “We know many of our customers will still need additional support as the coronavirus situation changes.

“To those vulnerable customers, please rest assured that the measures we have introduced to give you safe access to affordable food, such as early opening times from Monday to Saturday, will continue and our home delivery grocery parcels are still available to purchase.

“We are also trialling an on-demand grocery home delivery for the first time in partnership with Deliveroo to help those who cannot currently visit our stores.”

News

Parents of toddlers will be able to apply for 15 hours of free childcare next year

The government confirmed the childcare scheme yesterday

Avatar photo

Published

on

First Minister of Scotland & Province of British Columbia / Flickr

The date that working parents of toddlers can apply for 15 hours of free childcare per week has been set for next year.

Applications for access to the free 15 hours per week will open on January 2nd, 2024 and eligible working parents are urged to apply.

The government says this is the ‘first step’ in its ‘long-term plan to give families a brighter future’. 

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt first announced the plans back in March this year in his budget. The government has now confirmed that working parents of two-year-olds will be able to access the free childcare from April next year.

With thousands of parents expected to apply for the new scheme, ministers advise those eligible to apply between mid-January and the end of February.

Further increases to government funding rates for childcare have also been confirmed in the announcement, meaning in 2024-25 alone the government is investing over £400 million to ‘deliver a significant uplift to local authority hourly rates, to ensure enough places are available wherever they’re needed around the country’.

The Department for Education has confirmed the national average hourly rates will be £11.22 for under twos, £8.28 for two-year-olds, and £5.88 for three and four-year-olds from April – and are said to reflect the increase in National Living Wage from April 2024.

Province of British Columbia / Flickr

This will be extended to working parents of all children older than nine months from September next year.

From September 2025, working parents of children under five will be entitled to 30 hours of free childcare per week.

A childminder grant – for newcomers to the profession – of £600 for those who register with Ofsted, and £1,200 for those who register with a childminder agency, has also been confirmed.

David Woolfall / Wikimedia

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said ‘parents no longer have to choose between a career and a family’.

About the childcare scheme, she said: “From April next year, eligible working parents of two-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours of government-funded childcare a week, making sure parents no longer have to choose between a career and a family, and doubling down on this government’s commitment to getting more people into work and growing the economy. 

“I know the delivery of this transformation is no easy task, which is why I am pushing ahead with increased funding rates across the country and up to £1,200 for new childminders, knocking down barriers to recruiting and retaining the talented staff that provide such wonderful care for our children.”



Continue Reading

News

‘Loveable’ Wigan man dies after being pulled from canal as family pay tribute

His family also gave their condolences to his carer’s family and thanked emergency services

Avatar photo

Published

on

Family handout / Greater Manchester Police

The family of Aaron Ritchie who tragically died after being pulled from a canal in Wigan Borough have paid tribute to him.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at the Leeds Liverpool canal at Crank Wood, Abram at approximately 2.15pm on Tuesday, November 28th, responding to calls that two males had entered the water and had come into difficulty.

Both men, aged 49 and 60, were retrieved from the canal by specialist personnel, as part of a large emergency response, as paramedics immediately conducted CPR. 

Family handout / Greater Manchester Police

The men were rushed to hospital but despite the best efforts of medical staff, sadly, both passed away later that day.

One of the men has been identified as 49-year-old Aaron Ritchie. He has been described by his family as a ‘loveable character’. 

In a statement paying tribute to him, Aaron’s family said: “It’s come as a complete shock to us as a family surrounding the tragic accident of what happened on Tuesday afternoon. Aaron was a loveable character who made a big impression on everyone who knew him.

“Aaron had special needs and he loved the outdoor life and as long as he had his puzzles, laces and spinning tops he was happy. Aaron is surely going to be missed by us as a family.”

The family also passed on their condolences to his carer’s family and thanked emergency services for their rescue efforts.

The family added: “We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to his carer’s family and a special thank you to the emergency services who attended trying to save them.”

The 60-year-old man, Aaron’s carer, has not yet been named but police have said his next of kin have been informed. The two men’s deaths are not being treated as suspicious, police say.

Police are continuing to establish the circumstances behind their deaths, with a scene currently remaining in place in the area at the canal.

Continue Reading

News

Brookside actor Dean Sullivan who played Jimmy Corkhill has died age 68

Sad news this morning, RIP Dean

Avatar photo

Published

on

BBC Breakfast & ITV / YouTube

Former Brookside star Dean Sullivan who played drug dealer Jimmy Corkhill in the soap died yesterday at the age of 68.

Sullivan confirmed he was living with prostate cancer in May after being diagnosed with the disease five years ago – though the soap legend’s cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Sullivan was seen on-screen in June during a Brookside reunion at the British soap Awards.

He was joined on stage at the Lowry, in Salford, by former cast members Sue Jenkins and Claire Sweeney – who played Corkhill family members Lindsay and Jackie in the soap – to present the award for ‘Best Family’.

BBC Breakfast / YouTube

In a statement, Sullivan’s family said: “It is with deep sadness we must tell you that actor Dean Sullivan passed away on 29th November 2023 peacefully following a short illness.

“Dean is best remembered as the longest serving cast member of Channel 4’s groundbreaking ‘Brookside’ playing the role of ‘Jimmy Corkhill’, making Dean a British Soap icon. 

“To millions he was and very much still is remembered as ‘Jimmy’, to family and friends he was ‘Dino’. 

“Dean’s family wants to thank Arrowe Park Hospital for their unwavering and consistent support. We ask that you respect their privacy in their time of grief.”

diamond geezer / Flickr

Created by Phil Redmond (Grangehill and Hollyoaks), Brookside was set in a real cul-de-sac on a housing estate in West Derby, Liverpool, and ran from November 1982 until November 2003. 

The last episode was filmed in September and aired two months later with Jimmy Corkhill’s face being the final one to fill the screen.

Sullivan played the role of Jimmy Corkhill for 17 years on the Merseyside soap, from 1986, and won a British Soap Award for outstanding achievement in 2003 for his portrayal.

The soap icon went on to star in BBC’s Doctors and ITV’s The Royal to add to his list of acting credits. He was scheduled to appear in a Southport production of Jack And The Beanstalk from December 7th, but pulled out on November 17th due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’.

ITV / YouTube

Sullivan was originally diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018 and was discharged by his consultant after a year of radiotherapy treatment. He urged others to ‘listen to their bodies’, sharing his early symptoms.

He said he went to the doctor because ‘the strength of my flow when I used to go to the loo to have a pee was reduced’. On how he was diagnosed he added: “When I went back I saw a doctor who specialised in prostate treatment. 

“He gave me a quick examination and within two weeks I was at the hospital speaking to the consultant.

“If I’d have listened to the first doctor, it might have been a different story so always trust your gut – 11 times out of 10, you’re right. As with many cancers, if they are caught early, they are treatable.”

Continue Reading

Receive our latest news, events & unique stories

Privacy and data policy

We may earn a commission when you use one of our links to make a purchase

Copyright © 2023 Manchester's Finest Group