The journey of a lifetime for Sophie was brought to a grinding halt by the pandemic. She credits a social media campaign for spurring the UK government into action, who had initially failed to offer any support to her and the hundreds of other Britons stranded in Peru. Just three weeks into a six month […]
Don’t let the coronavirus crisis usher in chlorinated chicken – and worse!
The UK and US trade deal negotiations are still underway, aiming to be finished for the end of the Brexit transition period with the EU in December. Campaigners in Manchester are determined to oppose the introduction of chlorinated chicken and continue the fight for the UK to keep its higher standards in farming and food […]
Supporting vulnerable communities in Manchester during the coronavirus crisis
Four organisations supporting vulnerable communities in Manchester speak of the difficulties they are facing in carrying out their work due to the coronavirus crisis Disadvantaged and marginalised communities in Manchester face hardships at the best of times. Organisations offering help to these communities usually top up government support with charitable contributions from the public. With […]
The experience of isolation
The UK has been in lockdown for almost two weeks, and some have been self-isolating for longer. This personal account of life in isolation reflects on the experience, and some of the unexpected benefits, of such a drastic change in our lifestyles. Last week, I left my house for the first time in fourteen days. […]
Manchester’s Timetastic secures the Fair Tax Mark
Timetastic become the latest in a cluster of companies based in Manchester to achieve the Fair Tax Mark. Awarded to companies who are open and honest about the tax they pay. Timetastic a firm proud to declare that they are “made in Manchester”, secured Fair Tax Mark certification today. Joining the growing number of businesses […]
Manchester’s self-employed react to Chancellor’s aid package
Self-employed people in Manchester voice their concerns on the aid package announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak. The coronavirus pandemic lockdown in the UK has brought economic hardships to many, but the self-employed were ignored in the earlier government aid packages. Over the last 20 years, self-employment has been a growing area of the workforce. In […]
Toys given a second life to save the environment
Social enterprise Visit from the Stork has launched a crowdfunding campaign to support its new toy sharing scheme, which aims to save families money and help the environment by reusing and recycling plastic toys across Greater Manchester. A crowdfunding campaign has been launched by the local social enterprise Visit from the Stork, to support its […]
To combat Covid-19, Universal Basic Income must go viral worldwide
To combat the coronavirus pandemic a Universal Basic Income must be introduced to give people the financial security needed for them to self isolate effectively – argue Paul Harnett and Laura Bannister of campaign group World Basic Income. We are already seeing radical attempts across the world to lift people out of poverty so that […]
Coronavirus pandemic: housing activists call for more protection for tenants in Greater Manchester
Renters reliant on sick pay are at risk of eviction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Housing activists in Greater Manchester are calling for more protection for those in the Private Rented Sector affected by the coronavirus and for the homeless to be housed during the crisis. Dismayed at the lack of protection offered to private renters […]
Wood Street Mission: helping families in poverty since 1869
Public services have been slashed by the false economy of austerity and child poverty is on the increase. Wood Street Mission is a charity in Manchester that provides a wide range of services for children and families that are most in need of help. Austerity has hit public services hard in Manchester and left vulnerable […]