themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-25--Council staff could strike over jobs cut in new ‘streamlined’ digital department

Salford cuncil is set to `` streamline '' its digital department in a shake-up of the service which will see the number of jobs halved from 36 to 18 .
The move means 29 employees will receive an increase in pay and four new graduate posts will be created as part of the Project X ICT Redesign which aims to plug a gap in the department 's budget costing close to £600,000 .
The local authority says that most staff will benefit from the restructure .
But Steve North , Salford 's UNISON branch secretary , said the trade union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is prepared to strike if this is not resolved .
He said : “ We are still at the stage where we are trying to resolve it through local discussion .
“ Preparations are being made to resolve that dispute .
We are not ruling out industrial action .
There is a very real possibility of industrial action . ''
The council says that no compulsory redundancies will be necessary , with some staff volunteering to stand down – but the union remains unconvinced .
The local authority maintains that there will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post , but there are two members of staff who had been temporarily `` acting up '' and may be worse off as a result of the changes .
The trade union is also concerned about bigger workloads for the workers .
Mr North added : “ It ’ s fair to say that our concerns at this stage are around forceable loss of pay and the question of whether there will be enough staff within that service to deliver that structure .
“ Members are saying it ’ s tight anyway .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtually impossible . ''
The new structure was agreed at a workforce panel meeting this week - against the union 's wishes - but the changes are yet to be implemented .
Debbie Brown , Salford council 's director of service reform and development , explained why she thinks the restructure should go ahead .
She said : “ If we did delay the decision , there ’ s the continuing deficit that would create .
But to be honest , there are so many staff who are due to benefit from this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of approaches from staff who are very , very keen to see this get approved and for us to start on with its implementation .
`` So I think it would create a fair amount of disappointment and ill feeling against the majority of the team there who are very keen to see this implemented . ''
Speaking at the meeting on Tuesday , councillor Bill Hinds confirmed that he and councillor Barbara Bentham held talks with the trade union last week .
He said : “ They would like us to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honestly I don ’ t think anything would be gained on that . ''
Speaking after the meeting , which was held by video conference , Mr North said the union is still in talks with the council , but considering industrial action .

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Salford council is set to "streamline" its digital department in a shake-up of the service which will see the number of jobs roles halved from 36 to 18.
The move means 29 employees will receive an increase in pay and four new graduate posts will be created as part of the Project X ICT Redesign which aims to plug a gap in the department's budget costing close to £600,000.
The local authority says that most staff will benefit from the restructure.
But Steve North, Salford's UNISON branch secretary, said the trade union has lodged a formal trade dispute and is prepared to strike if this is not resolved.
He said: “We are still at the stage where we are trying to resolve it through local discussion.
“Preparations are being made to resolve that dispute. We are not ruling out industrial action. There is a very real possibility of industrial action."
A total of nine posts will be removed as a result of the service shake-up.
The council says that no compulsory redundancies will be necessary, with some staff volunteering to stand down – but the union remains unconvinced.
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The local authority maintains that there will be no loss in pay in any substantive post, but there are two members of staff who had been temporarily "acting up" and may be worse off as a result of the changes.
The trade union is also concerned about bigger workloads for the workers.
Mr North added: “It’s fair to say that our concerns at this stage are around forceable loss of pay and the question of whether there will be enough staff within that service to deliver that structure.
“Members are saying it’s tight anyway. Now it’s going to be virtually impossible."
The new structure was agreed at a workforce panel meeting this week - against the union's wishes - but the changes are yet to be implemented.
Debbie Brown, Salford council's director of service reform and development, explained why she thinks the restructure should go ahead.
She said: “If we did delay the decision, there’s the continuing deficit that would create. But to be honest, there are so many staff who are due to benefit from this restructure. I’ve had a number of approaches from staff who are very, very keen to see this get approved and for us to start on with its implementation.
"So I think it would create a fair amount of disappointment and ill feeling against the majority of the team there who are very keen to see this implemented."
Speaking at the meeting on Tuesday, councillor Bill Hinds confirmed that he and councillor Barbara Bentham held talks with the trade union last week.
He said: “They would like us to delay the decision today, but quite honestly I don’t think anything would be gained on that."
Speaking after the meeting, which was held by video conference, Mr North said the union is still in talks with the council, but considering industrial action.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-25--Leeds set to face new coronavirus lockdown restrictions from midnight

Leeds is likely to face new coronavirus lockdown restrictions from midnight tonight to tackle rising infection rates across the city .
City council leader , Tom Riordan , said he expects a ban on households mixing to be introduced , however the measures have n't yet been agreed by the government .
Speaking at a virtual news conference , Mr Riordan said the council wanted to let people know what was likely to happen .
He said : “ What we are trying to do is give a simple message – you shouldn ’ t really mix with other households @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the experience of Leicester , Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire that when these restrictions are brought in they do not tend to be lifted after a week or two.
” The council chief said about 780,000 people will come under the new measures which could be in place through the winter .
Councillor Judith Blake also said she expected Leeds will be made an “ area of intervention ” , meaning “ more household restrictions along the lines of those already in force across three of the West Yorkshire districts in Bradford , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of public health , Victoria Eaton , said the city ’ s virus rate was 98.5 per 100,000 people with a positive testing rate of 8.4 per cent .
She said : “ The spread of the virus is very dynamic across the city .
“ It ’ s clear to see we have very widespread community transmissions right across the city .
“ We have high rates in some of our student areas which we have increased more recently .
“ It ’ s clearly not just an issue for student areas.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all age groups , not just young adults , and that compliance with self-isolation rules was still low in Leeds .
“ We want to find ways to support local people to isolate , ” Ms Eaton added .
“ The expectation is the restrictions will be in place for a longer period of time , potentially right through the winter.
” The addition of Leeds ’ 793,000 population would take the number of people living under local restrictions to more than 16.2 million people across the UK .
Meanwhile , London is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , according to London Councils , a cross-party organisation which represents all 32 boroughs and the City of London .
No additional measures will be taken in the city but testing capacity will be boosted to closely monitor the growth of the virus .
In a statement , London Councils urged residents to follow the new government restrictions introduced on Thursday and said rising cases were a “ stark reminder that now is time for all Londoners to pull together and take action to keep themselves , their families and their communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s economy is protected ” .
It added : “ London boroughs are working with their communities , business and the police to engage , educate , explain and , if necessary , enforce the new restrictions and regulations , and the Government must ensure that it funds these so resources do not need to be drawn from other services .
“ We ask all Londoners to work together and abide by the national restrictions announced on Tuesday .
”

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Leeds is likely to face new coronavirus lockdown restrictions from midnight tonight to tackle rising infection rates across the city.
City council leader, Tom Riordan, said he expects a ban on households mixing to be introduced, however the measures haven't yet been agreed by the government.
Speaking at a virtual news conference, Mr Riordan said the council wanted to let people know what was likely to happen.
He said: “What we are trying to do is give a simple message – you shouldn’t really mix with other households.
“I think we know from the experience of Leicester, Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire that when these restrictions are brought in they do not tend to be lifted after a week or two.”
The council chief said about 780,000 people will come under the new measures which could be in place through the winter.
Councillor Judith Blake also said she expected Leeds will be made an “area of intervention”, meaning “more household restrictions along the lines of those already in force across three of the West Yorkshire districts in Bradford, Kirkless and Calderdale”.
Leeds director of public health, Victoria Eaton, said the city’s virus rate was 98.5 per 100,000 people with a positive testing rate of 8.4 per cent.
She said: “The spread of the virus is very dynamic across the city.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
“It’s clear to see we have very widespread community transmissions right across the city.
“We have high rates in some of our student areas which we have increased more recently.
“It’s clearly not just an issue for student areas.”
She said cases were rising in all age groups, not just young adults, and that compliance with self-isolation rules was still low in Leeds.
“We want to find ways to support local people to isolate,” Ms Eaton added.
(Image: PA)
“The expectation is the restrictions will be in place for a longer period of time, potentially right through the winter.”
The addition of Leeds’ 793,000 population would take the number of people living under local restrictions to more than 16.2 million people across the UK.
Meanwhile, London is being made an “area of concern”, according to London Councils, a cross-party organisation which represents all 32 boroughs and the City of London.
No additional measures will be taken in the city but testing capacity will be boosted to closely monitor the growth of the virus.
In a statement, London Councils urged residents to follow the new government restrictions introduced on Thursday and said rising cases were a “stark reminder that now is time for all Londoners to pull together and take action to keep themselves, their families and their communities safe, and to ensure that London’s economy is protected”.
It added: “London boroughs are working with their communities, business and the police to engage, educate, explain and, if necessary, enforce the new restrictions and regulations, and the Government must ensure that it funds these so resources do not need to be drawn from other services.
“We ask all Londoners to work together and abide by the national restrictions announced on Tuesday.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-25--Primary school closes to all year groups after Covid cases

A primary school in Salford has closed to every year group after confirmed Covid cases .
Holy Family Catholic School , in Langworthy , has shut all its bubbles after three positive cases .
Parents were initially told to keep any children from Years 1 and 2 home , but from Monday the school closed to all pupils .
It comes as schools across Greater Manchester have been closing bubbles after positive tests among pupils , staff , or both .
While in some , only close contacts of those who test positive are being told to self-isolate , others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This has sparked criticism from parents who fear children will be in and out of school throughout the academic year .
But having large bubbles is the only way some schools say they can make things work and insist they are simply following public health advice when deciding who needs to isolate .
Yesterday we reported how the number of schools with confirmed cases has now reached 272 across the region .
But with no official list available of all the bubble closures - and the Manchester Evening News confirming cases after being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are many more .

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A primary school in Salford has closed to every year group after confirmed Covid cases.
Holy Family Catholic School, in Langworthy, has shut all its bubbles after three positive cases.
Parents were initially told to keep any children from Years 1 and 2 home, but from Monday the school closed to all pupils.
It comes as schools across Greater Manchester have been closing bubbles after positive tests among pupils, staff, or both.
While in some, only close contacts of those who test positive are being told to self-isolate, others are sending entire year groups home.
This has sparked criticism from parents who fear children will be in and out of school throughout the academic year.
(Image: Google Maps)
But having large bubbles is the only way some schools say they can make things work and insist they are simply following public health advice when deciding who needs to isolate.
Yesterday we reported how the number of schools with confirmed cases has now reached 272 across the region.
But with no official list available of all the bubble closures - and the Manchester Evening News confirming cases after being alerted by parents - it's likely there are many more.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-25--New lockdown restrictions imposed on Stockport - these are the new rules

Stockport will be placed back under local lockdown rules after a large rise in the coronavirus infection rate .
The rules covering most of Greater Manchester will now also apply to Stockport , a councillor has confirmed .
Coun David Meller , Stockport Council 's cabinet member for the economy , announced the new rules this morning ( Friday ) , putting the changes down to rising infection rates .
It means the borough is no longer under the same restrictions as the rest of the country and will be instead subject to specialised local rules .
Coun Meller said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tomorrow ( Saturday ) , although this has not yet been confirmed by the government .
Stockport was placed under the same rules as Greater Manchester on July 30 , but local leaders successfully lobbied for the town to be removed from the restrictions because at the time the infection rate was far lower than in other boroughs .
But the number of positive test has risen quickly in recent weeks and there have been more than 100 new infections for every 100,000 people in the borough over the last week .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Some bad news , I ’ m afraid .
`` Stockport will be subject to additional COVID restrictions on-top of the ones announced earlier this week .
These will be from tomorrow , time TBC . ''
He said explained that the town 's infection rate of 71.2 new cases for every 100,000 people is still below the regional average but is now well above the average for England .
Both Stockport Council and the borough 's Tory MPs had opposed the move , arguing that the borough should stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson earlier this week .
Hazel Grove MP William Wragg said : `` I supported Stockport council in allowing time for new national measures to bed in .
I hope these measures will be with us for as short a period as possible , as I have deep concerns about their impact on people 's livelihoods and family responsibilities . ''
The new rules mean : • You must not host people you do not live with at your home or in your garden or meet them in their homes or gardens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Some people can still visit your home but only in these specific circumstances .
• You should not socialise with anyone from another household in any public venue , including pubs , bars or restaurants , unless they are in your support bubble .
• You should not visit friends or family in care homes unless in exceptional circumstances .
• You should wear a mask on public transport and avoid car journeys with people from another household where possible .
Other rules remain the same as they do in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on pubs and restaurants to offer table service only and to close at 10pm .
To check the rules or see if you fall under any exceptions , go to the government 's website

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Stockport will be placed back under local lockdown rules after a large rise in the coronavirus infection rate.
The rules covering most of Greater Manchester will now also apply to Stockport, a councillor has confirmed.
Coun David Meller, Stockport Council's cabinet member for the economy, announced the new rules this morning (Friday), putting the changes down to rising infection rates.
It means the borough is no longer under the same restrictions as the rest of the country and will be instead subject to specialised local rules.
The rules will come into force at midnight - Friday into Saturday.
Stockport was placed under the same rules as Greater Manchester on July 30, but local leaders successfully lobbied for the town to be removed from the restrictions because at the time the infection rate was far lower than in other boroughs.
But the number of positive test has risen quickly in recent weeks and there have been more than 100 new infections for every 100,000 people in the borough over the last week.
In a post on Facebook, Coun Meller said: "Some bad news, I’m afraid.
"Stockport will be subject to additional COVID restrictions on-top of the ones announced earlier this week. These will be from tomorrow, time TBC."
He said explained that the town's infection rate of 71.2 new cases for every 100,000 people is still below the regional average but is now well above the average for England.
Both Stockport council and the borough's Tory MPs had opposed the move, arguing that the borough should stay under the new national measures announced by Boris Johnson earlier this week.
Hazel Grove MP William Wragg said: "I supported Stockport council in allowing time for new national measures to bed in. I hope these measures will be with us for as short a period as possible, as I have deep concerns about their impact on people's livelihoods and family responsibilities."
The new rules mean:
You must not host people you do not live with at your home or in your garden or meet them in their homes or gardens unless you are in a support bubble.
Some people can still visit your home but only in these specific circumstances.
Nightclubs and dance halls remain closed.
You should not visit friends or family in care homes unless in exceptional circumstances.
You should wear a mask on public transport and avoid car journeys with people from another household where possible.
The government is also advising people not to socialise with anyone not from their household or bubble inside or outside 'any public venue'.That includes pubs and beer gardens, restaurants, cafes, parks, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure centres or entertainment venues.
Other rules remain the same as they do in the rest of the country, including restrictions on pubs and restaurants to offer table service only and to close at 10pm.
To check the rules or see if you fall under any exceptions, go to the government's website


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-25--School hit with £20k energy bill after 'meter under-recorded monthly usage'

A school has been hit with an energy bill of more than £20,000 after a meter 'under-recorded ' monthly usage .
Staff at Bury and Whitefield Jewish Primary have been left reeling after being told about the huge invoice by Npower .
The school says it was told a meter had been recording monthly usage incorrectly .
The meter was 'inherited ' when Npower took over the school 's energy supply in 2003 , according to the company .
The school was visited by meter reader staff for years without any problems .
In 2018 , the meter was replaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( AMR ) meter as part of a government rollout , the company said .
At that point , Npower says ' a significant increase in energy consumption was recorded ' .
School staff say they were n't aware of an issue until they received a bill that seemed usually high .
Bury council asked Npower to carry out a review of bills in December 2019 .
The town hall is responsible for the contract , but the school pays its own bills from its allocated budget .
In April this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council .
The company said the old , 'traditional ' meter had been under-recording the school 's energy consumption .
Npower says it had been 'receiving regular meter reads ' that 'appeared to be an accurate representation of the energy used ' and that 'there was no reason to doubt the data ' .
The school has been fighting the bill ever since .
Head Claire Simon says she simply does n't have £20,402 in the pot .
`` We got a reading that we thought was quite high , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ triggered Npower to look at past bills .
`` Npower say they gave us readings that were under what we should have had .
In May , they notified us that we owed all this money and we have been fighting it ever since .
`` Npower should have done their due diligence , the meter is not our concern .
They took the readings from it and no one ever alerted me that our bills were very low , our meter was wrong .
It was just out of the blue that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been to the local ombudsman , which said there could potentially be a case , but it could not be taken up by the body as the school does not qualify for help as a 'micro-business ' .
In documents seen by the Manchester Evening News , Npower is now asking , through Bury council , that the school set up a plan to start paying the money .
Mrs Simon added : `` It 's just daft .
Now they 're saying we owe all this money .
`` We ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so careful because we have n't got any money - we 're a tiny , tiny school .
I have 121 pupils and 20 staff .
I am being really diligent about pruning my budget and this has been thrown at us .
`` Do they think we have £20,000 just to throw away ?
`` We have tried everything and I do n't know where to go from here .
What do they want me to do , make a teacher redundant ?
`` I 'm not paying it - and my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Bury council said in a statement : `` This is an extremely upsetting scenario for the school which , through no fault of its own , has been landed with a huge bill for energy costs .
`` We have spent many months trying to help resolve the dispute , and we are still in discussion with Npower , which we hope will bring about a satisfactory solution.
” Npower said : `` Npower registered Whitefield Jewish Primary school in 2003 and inherited the traditional meter at the site which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our meter readers regularly visited the site , taking meter readings to calculate the energy bills which appeared to be an accurate representation of the energy used .
`` In February 2018 , a new Advanced AMR meter ( automated meter reading ) was installed as part of the government ’ s meter rollout programme and a significant increase in energy consumption was recorded .
`` From February 2018 to December 2019 , there was no dispute raised regarding the increase in consumption by the council or school and they continued to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year , the council approached us and a full review of the usage and billing was undertaken .
We validated the consumption with the council who confirmed that no significant changes had taken place at the school , and we also confirmed with our appointed data collector that the new meter was operating as expected .
`` The outcome of the review determined that the school ’ s full usage had not been captured by the inherited traditional meter .
`` While we share the frustrations with the customer , we would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our open and transparent conversations with the council .
We have not demanded any payment and made many requests to discuss this matter to reach an amicable solution with the school .
`` We have offered a meeting and are awaiting the council ’ s response . ''
On Friday , Mrs Simon said council officials were due to meet with Npower on Monday ( September 28 ) .

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A school has been hit with an energy bill of more than £20,000 after a meter 'under-recorded' monthly usage.
Staff at Bury and Whitefield Jewish Primary have been left reeling after being told about the huge invoice by Npower.
The school says it was told a meter had been recording monthly usage incorrectly.
The meter was 'inherited' when Npower took over the school's energy supply in 2003, according to the company. The school was visited by meter reader staff for years without any problems.
In 2018, the meter was replaced with a new advanced automated meter reading (AMR) meter as part of a government rollout, the company said.
At that point, Npower says 'a significant increase in energy consumption was recorded'.
School staff say they weren't aware of an issue until they received a bill that seemed usually high.
(Image: Claire Simon)
Bury council asked Npower to carry out a review of bills in December 2019. The town hall is responsible for the contract, but the school pays its own bills from its allocated budget.
In April this year, Npower's findings were submitted to the council. The company said the old, 'traditional' meter had been under-recording the school's energy consumption.
Npower says it had been 'receiving regular meter reads' that 'appeared to be an accurate representation of the energy used' and that 'there was no reason to doubt the data'.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
The school has been fighting the bill ever since. Head Claire Simon says she simply doesn't have £20,402 in the pot.
"We got a reading that we thought was quite high," she said.
"We queried it and that triggered Npower to look at past bills.
"Npower say they gave us readings that were under what we should have had. In May, they notified us that we owed all this money and we have been fighting it ever since.
"Npower should have done their due diligence, the meter is not our concern. They took the readings from it and no one ever alerted me that our bills were very low, our meter was wrong. It was just out of the blue that we got this."
The school has been to the local ombudsman, which said there could potentially be a case, but it could not be taken up by the body as the school does not qualify for help as a 'micro-business'.
In documents seen by the Manchester Evening News , Npower is now asking, through Bury council, that the school set up a plan to start paying the money.
Mrs Simon added: "It's just daft. Now they're saying we owe all this money.
"We can't afford it. We have been so careful because we haven't got any money - we're a tiny, tiny school. I have 121 pupils and 20 staff. I am being really diligent about pruning my budget and this has been thrown at us.
"Do they think we have £20,000 just to throw away?
"We have tried everything and I don't know where to go from here. What do they want me to do, make a teacher redundant?
"I'm not paying it - and my governors say we're not paying it."
Bury council said in a statement: "This is an extremely upsetting scenario for the school which, through no fault of its own, has been landed with a huge bill for energy costs.
(Image: Copyright Unknown)
"We have spent many months trying to help resolve the dispute, and we are still in discussion with Npower, which we hope will bring about a satisfactory solution.”
Npower said: "Npower registered Whitefield Jewish Primary school in 2003 and inherited the traditional meter at the site which was installed prior to our supply period. Our meter readers regularly visited the site, taking meter readings to calculate the energy bills which appeared to be an accurate representation of the energy used.
"In February 2018, a new Advanced AMR meter (automated meter reading) was installed as part of the government’s meter rollout programme and a significant increase in energy consumption was recorded.
"From February 2018 to December 2019, there was no dispute raised regarding the increase in consumption by the council or school and they continued to pay their bills. At the end of last year, the council approached us and a full review of the usage and billing was undertaken. We validated the consumption with the council who confirmed that no significant changes had taken place at the school, and we also confirmed with our appointed data collector that the new meter was operating as expected.
"The outcome of the review determined that the school’s full usage had not been captured by the inherited traditional meter.
"While we share the frustrations with the customer, we would like to take this opportunity to continue our open and transparent conversations with the council. We have not demanded any payment and made many requests to discuss this matter to reach an amicable solution with the school.
"We have offered a meeting and are awaiting the council’s response."
On Friday, Mrs Simon said council officials were due to meet with Npower on Monday (September 28).


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-25--LIVE: Andy Burnham press conference on latest coronavirus situation

This afternoon Andy Burnham will hold the region ’ s latest press conference on the coronavirus situation in Greater Manchester .
He will be joined by his deputy , Beverley Hughes , as well as Sacha Lord , who leads on the night time economy for the mayor .
They will be updating on the latest Covid-19 statistics for the conurbation , as well as lockdown restrictions .
Currently Covid rates are high across all ten boroughs and still rising in most of them .
Hospital admissions are also starting to see an increase , although there has been no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s leadership for a couple of weeks .
Ministers are expected to confirm a tightening of lockdown rules in Stockport and Wigan this afternoon , to bring them into line with most of the rest of the conurbation and the North West .
That would mean a return to limits on household mixing , meaning people would not be able to meet in homes or gardens .
There is also likely to be an update on how enforcement is being carried out by Greater Manchester Police , amid a major push on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here are concerned about the financial consequences both for the force and for councils .
Meanwhile Mr Burnham has already criticised the Chancellor ’ s latest support package for workers , announced yesterday , as not going far enough .
There are likely to be further concerns raised about the impact of Covid measures on the hospitality industry , including the effect of the nationwide 10pm curfew , unveiled by Boris Johnson earlier this week .
We will be covering the press conference live here from 1.30pm .

This afternoon Andy Burnham will hold the region’s latest press conference on the coronavirus situation in Greater Manchester.
He will be joined by his deputy, Beverley Hughes, as well as Sacha Lord, who leads on the night time economy for the mayor.
They will be updating on the latest Covid-19 statistics for the conurbation, as well as lockdown restrictions.
Currently Covid rates are high across all ten boroughs and still rising in most of them.
Hospital admissions are also starting to see an increase, although there has been no detailed update on that from Greater Manchester’s leadership for a couple of weeks.
Ministers are expected to confirm a tightening of lockdown rules in Stockport and Wigan this afternoon, to bring them into line with most of the rest of the conurbation and the North West.
That would mean a return to limits on household mixing, meaning people would not be able to meet in homes or gardens.
There is also likely to be an update on how enforcement is being carried out by Greater Manchester Police, amid a major push on enforcement by the government, although leaders here are concerned about the financial consequences both for the force and for councils.
Meanwhile Mr Burnham has already criticised the Chancellor’s latest support package for workers, announced yesterday, as not going far enough.
There are likely to be further concerns raised about the impact of Covid measures on the hospitality industry, including the effect of the nationwide 10pm curfew, unveiled by Boris Johnson earlier this week.
We will be covering the press conference live here from 1.30pm.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-25--Revolution bar chain exploring rescue options as curfew restrictions hit

Bar chain Revolution is exploring rescue options as a result of the latest restrictions placed on hospitality .
The company , which is headquartered in Ashton-under-Lyne , said it is considering 'all necessary options to ensure that its business remains viable ' after a 10pm curfew came into force yesterday .
One option being considered is a company voluntary arrangement ( CVA ) to reduce debts , which could see some of its bars close down .
Only 39 of its 74 bars have reopened post-lockdown , which includes its three cocktail bars in Manchester city centre .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Revolution said it had raised cash from investors and extended loans , but that the new restrictions have 'exacerbated ' an already challenging trade .
They said : `` Further to the continuing challenging trading environment and exacerbated by the further Covid-19 related restrictions announced by the Government earlier this week , the board of Revolution confirms that it has been working with advisers to assess various strategic options for the group .
`` Revolution has a strong balance sheet following the £15 million equity fundraising and the extension of its banking facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the long-term nature and potential impact of the latest operating restrictions means that it must consider all necessary options to ensure that its business remains viable . ''
No decision has been made yet as to the company 's future .
Some 2,775 of its employees were furloughed during lockdown .
Revolution was launched in 1996 and has since launched its sister brand Revolucion de Cuba .

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Bar chain Revolution is exploring rescue options as a result of the latest restrictions placed on hospitality.
The company, which is headquartered in Ashton-under-Lyne, said it is considering 'all necessary options to ensure that its business remains viable' after a 10pm curfew came into force yesterday.
One option being considered is a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) to reduce debts, which could see some of its bars close down.
Only 39 of its 74 bars have reopened post-lockdown, which includes its three cocktail bars in Manchester city centre.
In a statement to the London Stock Exchange, Revolution said it had raised cash from investors and extended loans, but that the new restrictions have 'exacerbated' an already challenging trade.
They said: "Further to the continuing challenging trading environment and exacerbated by the further Covid-19 related restrictions announced by the Government earlier this week, the board of Revolution confirms that it has been working with advisers to assess various strategic options for the group.
"Revolution has a strong balance sheet following the £15 million equity fundraising and the extension of its banking facilities announced in June but the board believes that the long-term nature and potential impact of the latest operating restrictions means that it must consider all necessary options to ensure that its business remains viable."
No decision has been made yet as to the company's future.
Some 2,775 of its employees were furloughed during lockdown.
Revolution was launched in 1996 and has since launched its sister brand Revolucion de Cuba.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-25--Chris thought Covid was 'bullsh-t' - this is his message from intensive care

A 29-year-old who fell seriously ill with Covid-19 has filmed a powerful video message from intensive care urging people to take the virus seriously .
Chris Grailey from Ancoats thought he was 'invincible ' - now he is on a hospital bed breathing with an oxygen mask , unsure if he will 'come out the other side ' .
The sales manager has no underlying health conditions and said he was the 'first to say ( coronavirus ) was all bulls*** ' .
Now he wants other young people to learn from his mistakes and take the virus seriously - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the video message shared with the Manchester Evening News , a breathless Chris says : `` I caught it in Tenerife thinking I was invincible , not wearing a mask .
`` I paid the price .
I have got no underlying health issues .
I do n't want anyone making the same mistakes as me .
Now I 'm in intensive care , waiting to get more treatment , and not knowing if I 'm coming out the other side .
So I really want you to take this message on board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ please please take care '' , he says .
On Friday , Chris spoke to the Manchester Evening News from his hospital bed in Watford , where he is based for a work project .
He said he fell ill on holiday in the Canary Islands last week .
`` I was ill for most of the holiday - lost my taste , smell , had cold sweats '' , he said .
`` But it got a lot worse on my return home . ''
He was diagnosed with coronavirus and acute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was rushed in Sunday morning for tests and scans and sent home on the Sunday night thinking I was ok. '' I was then rushed in again Tuesday morning straight onto a COVID ward . ''
In an emotional Facebook post , he said : `` The way I have felt in the last week has been as close to hell I have ever been - I honestly sat there and was ready to just give up .
`` I am on four different antibiotics , steroids , oxygen 24/7 , more holes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The reason I ’ m showing you all this is because I was the first to say it was all bullshit and “ nah f**k it were young we won ’ t get it , it ’ s only bad flu , government conspiracy Bla bla bla ” wrong !
`` This is REAL it ’ s real life killing me .
`` So before you think about going to house parties thinking your invincible getting off your heads sharing 10 pound notes , look at that picture and imagine it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about lockdown rules where you live ?
Let us know with our survey ... '' It can get anyone , I ’ m 29 with no underlying health conditions .
This is serious s**t. Please please wake up guys .
There ’ s more to life than this .
`` I really want the young ones going out and not taking any notice to look at my pictures and think it could be them .
`` I have no underlying health issues and 29 and it ’ s happened to me .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health I have learnt the hard way I don ’ t want people making the same mistakes I have '' , he said .
-

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A 29-year-old who fell seriously ill with Covid-19 has filmed a powerful video message from intensive care urging people to take the virus seriously.
Chris Grailey from Ancoats thought he was 'invincible' - now he is on a hospital bed breathing with an oxygen mask, unsure if he will 'come out the other side'.
The sales manager has no underlying health conditions and said he was the 'first to say (coronavirus) was all bulls***'.
Now he wants other young people to learn from his mistakes and take the virus seriously - before it is too late.
In the video message shared with the Manchester Evening News , a breathless Chris says: "I caught it in Tenerife thinking I was invincible, not wearing a mask.
"I paid the price. I have got no underlying health issues. I don't want anyone making the same mistakes as me. Now I'm in intensive care, waiting to get more treatment, and not knowing if I'm coming out the other side. So I really want you to take this message on board because it could happen to anyone, please please take care", he says.
On Friday, Chris spoke to the Manchester Evening News from his hospital bed in Watford, where he is based for a work project.
He said he fell ill on holiday in the Canary Islands last week.
"I was ill for most of the holiday - lost my taste, smell, had cold sweats", he said.
"But it got a lot worse on my return home."
He was diagnosed with coronavirus and acute pneumonia four days ago.
"I was rushed in Sunday morning for tests and scans and sent home on the Sunday night thinking I was ok.
"I was then rushed in again Tuesday morning straight onto a COVID ward."
In an emotional Facebook post, he said: "The way I have felt in the last week has been as close to hell I have ever been - I honestly sat there and was ready to just give up.
"I can’t breathe, walk, move. I’m like a zombie.
"I am on four different antibiotics, steroids, oxygen 24/7, more holes in my arm than a junkie.
"The reason I’m showing you all this is because I was the first to say it was all bullshit and “nah f**k it were young we won’t get it, it’s only bad flu, government conspiracy Bla bla bla” wrong!
"This is REAL it’s real life killing me.
"So before you think about going to house parties thinking your invincible getting off your heads sharing 10 pound notes, look at that picture and imagine it could be you.
What do you think about lockdown rules where you live? Let us know with our survey...
"It can get anyone, I’m 29 with no underlying health conditions. This is serious s**t. Please please wake up guys. There’s more to life than this.
"I really want the young ones going out and not taking any notice to look at my pictures and think it could be them.
"I have no underlying health issues and 29 and it’s happened to me.
"Life is too short to risk your health I have learnt the hard way I don’t want people making the same mistakes I have", he said. -


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-25--Manzil and Irish Heritage Centre sanctioned for breaking Covid restriction rules

A banqueting hall and restaurant found hosting a wedding function with 65 people including children has been shut down , council bosses have revealed .
Manzil , on Bury New Road , Cheetham Hill , has been closed by the council until further notice for breaches of Covid-19 regulations .
The council said environmental health officers visited and found 'different households mixing together with no social distancing ' .
That included 'people huddling together for photographs ' .
The council added there was no attempt by staff to manage the behaviour .
Manzil banqueting hall and restaurant is one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Manchester city council for 'failing to uphold proper practices to stop the spread of Covid ' .
It has been closed until further notice , the council said in a statement on Friday .
`` Consideration was given to enforcement measures stopping short of full closure but the lack of understanding of the risks involved , and the need for Covid-secure practices , meant that only full closure was considered appropriate , '' the council said .
The Irish World Heritage Centre on Irishtown Way , Cheetham Hill , has also been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The council said it has also been ordered not to have DJs , live bands or other live music performances .
Any recorded music played must now be kept at background level .
The council said visiting officers 'observed groups of males dancing and congregating ' , and music being played so loud 'that normal conversation was impossible ' .
`` Around 80 people were also witnessed having a sit down meal with no social distancing involved , '' the statement added .
The Manchester Evening News has contacted both venues for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health for Manchester , said : `` Manchester 's coronavirus infection rates are rising and community transmission is driving this .
`` Hospitality settings , where not managed properly , have the potential to contribute significantly to this spread .
`` That 's why all premises have an urgent responsibility to ensure both that they have safe practices in place and that these are properly managed . ''
Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar , executive member for neighbourhoods , said : `` Gatherings between different households are simply not allowed in Manchester at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the higher rates of Covid-19 infection in the country and the extra restrictions which are in place are there for a reason - to stop the spread of the virus .
`` Many hospitality businesses are doing a sterling job of keeping customers safe but as these cases show we will take swift action where this is not the case . ''
The council said it was working with both venues to improve their Covid-19 safety arrangements .
The directions use powers under the Health Protection ( Coronavirus , Restrictions ) ( England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The council said it would review the conditions every seven days .

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A banqueting hall and restaurant found hosting a wedding function with 65 people including children has been shut down, council bosses have revealed.
Manzil, on Bury New Road, Cheetham Hill, has been closed by the council until further notice for breaches of Covid-19 regulations.
The council said environmental health officers visited and found 'different households mixing together with no social distancing'.
That included 'people huddling together for photographs'.
The council added there was no attempt by staff to manage the behaviour.
Manzil banqueting hall and restaurant is one of two venues action has been taken against by Manchester city council for 'failing to uphold proper practices to stop the spread of Covid'.
It has been closed until further notice, the council said in a statement on Friday.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"Consideration was given to enforcement measures stopping short of full closure but the lack of understanding of the risks involved, and the need for Covid-secure practices, meant that only full closure was considered appropriate," the council said.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
The Irish World Heritage Centre on Irishtown Way, Cheetham Hill, has also been barred from hosting functions until further notice.
The council said it has also been ordered not to have DJs, live bands or other live music performances.
Any recorded music played must now be kept at background level.
The council said visiting officers 'observed groups of males dancing and congregating', and music being played so loud 'that normal conversation was impossible'.
(Image: Getty Images)
"Around 80 people were also witnessed having a sit down meal with no social distancing involved," the statement added.
The Manchester Evening News has contacted both venues for comment.
David Regan, director of public health for Manchester, said: "Manchester's coronavirus infection rates are rising and community transmission is driving this.
"Hospitality settings, where not managed properly, have the potential to contribute significantly to this spread.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
"That's why all premises have an urgent responsibility to ensure both that they have safe practices in place and that these are properly managed."
Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar, executive member for neighbourhoods, said: "Gatherings between different households are simply not allowed in Manchester at the moment.
"We have one of the higher rates of Covid-19 infection in the country and the extra restrictions which are in place are there for a reason - to stop the spread of the virus.
"Many hospitality businesses are doing a sterling job of keeping customers safe but as these cases show we will take swift action where this is not the case."
The council said it was working with both venues to improve their Covid-19 safety arrangements.
The directions use powers under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No.3) Regulations 2020.
The council said it would review the conditions every seven days.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-25--Police hunt gang who stabbed man in street in 'unprovoked' attack

Police are hunting a gang of men who stabbed another man in the street in an 'unprovoked ' attack .
The 38-year-old victim was walking down Swinside Road , in Breightmet , Bolton , when he was approached by four men – one of whom was wielding a knife .
The men , who were wearing hoods , shouted at the victim before launching an 'unprovoked ' attack on him .
They then ran off in the direction of Crossdale Road .
The man was rushed to hospital with two stab wounds to his torso .
Police described his injuries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been discharged .
No arrests have been made , say Greater Manchester Police .
Officers have now issued an appeal for information about the stabbing , which happened at about 5pm on Friday , August 21 .
One of the offenders is described as wearing a black hooded jumper , with a large white Nike logo on the back as well as dark trousers and shoes .
The second man was wearing a black hooded puffer coat with a dark hooded jumper underneath , dark trousers and white trainers .
A third offender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top with light grey sleeves and dark trousers .
Officers say they are working to establish a description of the fourth offender .
Detective Constable Sarah Dixon , of GMP 's Bolton division , said : “ This was a completely unprovoked attack which has resulted in an innocent man being taken to hospital with stab wounds .
“ This behaviour is shocking and completely unacceptable and we are following all available lines of enquiry to ensure that these offenders are brought to justice .
“ I am appealing for anyone who may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time and seen anything suspicious to please get in contact with police as soon as possible.
” Anyone with information can contact police on 0161 856 5757 quoting incident number 2152 of 21/08/2020 .
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Thomas George, Thomas Molloy)

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Police are hunting a gang of men who stabbed another man in the street in an 'unprovoked' attack.
The 38-year-old victim was walking down Swinside Road, in Breightmet, Bolton, when he was approached by four men – one of whom was wielding a knife.
The men, who were wearing hoods, shouted at the victim before launching an 'unprovoked' attack on him.
They then ran off in the direction of Crossdale Road.
The man was rushed to hospital with two stab wounds to his torso. Police described his injuries as 'serious'.
He has since been discharged.
No arrests have been made, say Greater Manchester Police.
Officers have now issued an appeal for information about the stabbing, which happened at about 5pm on Friday, August 21.
One of the offenders is described as wearing a black hooded jumper, with a large white Nike logo on the back as well as dark trousers and shoes.
The second man was wearing a black hooded puffer coat with a dark hooded jumper underneath, dark trousers and white trainers.
A third offender is described as wearing a dark hooded top with light grey sleeves and dark trousers.
Officers say they are working to establish a description of the fourth offender.
Detective Constable Sarah Dixon, of GMP's Bolton division, said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack which has resulted in an innocent man being taken to hospital with stab wounds.
“This behaviour is shocking and completely unacceptable and we are following all available lines of enquiry to ensure that these offenders are brought to justice.
“I am appealing for anyone who may have been in the area at the time and seen anything suspicious to please get in contact with police as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information can contact police on 0161 856 5757 quoting incident number 2152 of 21/08/2020.
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-25--Boohoo bosses 'knew about serious issues with treatment of supply chain workers'

Senior directors at online fashion giant Boohoo knew about `` serious issues '' with how workers at its supply chain were treated months before the scandal broke , a review has found .
Lawyers for the company found that staff at a site in Leicester worked in poor conditions on low pay - but that no crimes had been committed .
Alison Levitt QC , the lawyer who undertook the review of Boohoo 's practices , said senior directors knew `` for a fact '' that there were `` very serious issues '' at the factory in Leicester from at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that while a programme had been put in place to `` remedy '' the issues , the company `` did not move quickly enough '' .
Questions over Boohoo 's treatment of workers in its supply train had previously been raised in the media and in Parliament .
Issues had been highlighted as early as 2017 by a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary into Britain 's cheap clothing market .
In May 2018 the Financial Times published a story about `` labour exploitation in Britain 's garment industry '' questioning how Boohoo was able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months later , in November , MPs grilled then co-chief executive Carol Kane about Boohoo 's pricing .
Ms Levitt was appointed to conduct the review after the concerns resurfaced amid Leicester 's local lockdown .
In July this year , the Sunday Times published claims about factory conditions in the city .
The BBC and the Guardian had also both reported on problems in Leicester previously .
Ms Levitt 's review said Boohoo `` capitalised on the commercial opportunities offered by lockdown and believed that it was supporting Leicester factories by not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the consequences for those who made the clothes they sold '' .
She added : `` Inaction by the authorities has contributed significantly to the deficiencies ...
If the law is not enforced , this sends a clear message that the violations are not important and the people affected do not matter . ''
The fashion company has said it will implement `` necessary enhancements '' following the review and that issues `` will not reoccur '' .
Boohoo chief executive John Lyttle said : `` Ms Levitt 's Independent Review ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our supply chain , and the steps we had taken to address them , but it is clear that we need to go further and faster to improve our governance , oversight and compliance .
`` As a result , the Group is implementing necessary enhancements to its supplier audit and compliance procedures , and the board 's oversight of these matters will increase significantly .
`` As a board , we recognise that we need to rebuild confidence that these matters will be dealt with appropriately and sensitively , and that @ @ @ @ @ @

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Senior directors at online fashion giant Boohoo knew about "serious issues" with how workers at its supply chain were treated months before the scandal broke, a review has found.
Lawyers for the company found that staff at a site in Leicester worked in poor conditions on low pay - but that no crimes had been committed.
Alison Levitt QC, the lawyer who undertook the review of Boohoo's practices, said senior directors knew "for a fact" that there were "very serious issues" at the factory in Leicester from at least December last year.
She said that while a programme had been put in place to "remedy" the issues, the company "did not move quickly enough".
(Image: Boohoo)
Questions over Boohoo's treatment of workers in its supply train had previously been raised in the media and in Parliament.
Issues had been highlighted as early as 2017 by a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary into Britain's cheap clothing market.
In May 2018 the Financial Times published a story about "labour exploitation in Britain's garment industry" questioning how Boohoo was able to sell such cheap clothes, while months later, in November, MPs grilled then co-chief executive Carol Kane about Boohoo's pricing.
Ms Levitt was appointed to conduct the review after the concerns resurfaced amid Leicester's local lockdown.
In July this year, the Sunday Times published claims about factory conditions in the city.
The BBC and the Guardian had also both reported on problems in Leicester previously.
Ms Levitt's review said Boohoo "capitalised on the commercial opportunities offered by lockdown and believed that it was supporting Leicester factories by not cancelling orders, but took no responsibility for the consequences for those who made the clothes they sold".
She added: "Inaction by the authorities has contributed significantly to the deficiencies ... If the law is not enforced, this sends a clear message that the violations are not important and the people affected do not matter."
The fashion company has said it will implement "necessary enhancements" following the review and that issues "will not reoccur".
Boohoo chief executive John Lyttle said: "Ms Levitt's Independent Review ... has identified significant and clearly unacceptable issues in our supply chain, and the steps we had taken to address them, but it is clear that we need to go further and faster to improve our governance, oversight and compliance.
"As a result, the Group is implementing necessary enhancements to its supplier audit and compliance procedures, and the board's oversight of these matters will increase significantly.
"As a board, we recognise that we need to rebuild confidence that these matters will be dealt with appropriately and sensitively, and that they will not recur."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-25--Man United might have found a player that can make a Plan B work

When Manchester United visited Brighton three months ago the evening ended with Graham Potter declaring the opposition as good a side as they ’ d faced that season .
The 3-0 win at the Amex also included a trademark United goal that rolled back the years and hinted at a bright future , a devastating counter-attack finished off by Bruno Fernandes .
It was the second in a run of four consecutive wins by a three-goal margin and at that stage United were the most exciting team to watch in the Premier League .
This week Potter said United had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after last season restarted and those performances helped take them to a third-place finish .
But the restart is over .
This is the start of a long , arduous campaign and the memories of those swashbuckling displays on summer nights have gone .
Instead , the mood is as dark as the impending nights as Premier League clubs settle in for a grim winter .
The next 10 days will have a significant impact on what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ’ s side can expect from this season .
That includes a league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend ’ s Premier League fixture with Tottenham and a transfer window that has so far bought disappointment , aside from the weekend when United snuck upon a deal for Donny van de Beek .
Solskjaer will be desperate for reinforcements to arrive before the October 5 deadline , to strengthen his first XI and give him greater options off the bench .
Results on the pitch will also be vital then in this period , especially the two Premier League games .
The loss to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford last weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the league since January but it 's insipid nature has raised concerns and Solskjaer 's side simply can not be as flat against the Seagulls and Spurs .
They came back to claim third in the second half of last season but it 's unlikely to be a trick they can repeat twice .
Life would be much easier if they could keep pace with the top four from the start of this season but to do that they need to get the defeat to a Wilfried Zaha-inspired Palace out of their systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing on Solskjaer 's mind as United prepare to head to the south coast twice in a matter of days .
Potter was right to say that United were the best team around after lockdown , but their side and their style has n't changed much since then .
Teams have become wise to the threat of Bruno Fernandes and the pace of Mason Greenwood , Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial .
The quality of those players will still make a difference , of course , but teams will work out ways to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mark Fernandes out of the game and defending deeper and narrower against the front three .
United have to find ways to unsettle defences , to give them something else to think about if the methods that worked so well in June and July are n't working in September and October .
Having another creative midfielder in Van de Beek can help with that and another top level forward will be a bonus as well .
Solskjaer dropped Fernandes a little deeper after Van de Beek came on last week .
He can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the bench to try and make the game wider .
There are various ways to try and give opposing defences something different to think about , to try and engineer more space for United 's key men .
Solskjaer has to find a way that works if Plan A does n't .

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When Manchester United visited Brighton three months ago the evening ended with Graham Potter declaring the opposition as good a side as they’d faced that season.
The 3-0 win at the Amex also included a trademark United goal that rolled back the years and hinted at a bright future, a devastating counter-attack finished off by Bruno Fernandes.
It was the second in a run of four consecutive wins by a three-goal margin and at that stage United were the most exciting team to watch in the Premier League.
This week Potter said United had been “as good as anybody” after last season restarted and those performances helped take them to a third-place finish.
But the restart is over. This is the start of a long, arduous campaign and the memories of those swashbuckling displays on summer nights have gone. Instead, the mood is as dark as the impending nights as Premier League clubs settle in for a grim winter.
The next 10 days will have a significant impact on what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side can expect from this season. That includes a league and cup trip to Brighton, next weekend’s Premier League fixture with Tottenham and a transfer window that has so far bought disappointment, aside from the weekend when United snuck upon a deal for Donny van de Beek.
Solskjaer will be desperate for reinforcements to arrive before the October 5 deadline, to strengthen his first XI and give him greater options off the bench.
Results on the pitch will also be vital then in this period, especially the two Premier League games. The loss to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford last weekend might have been United's first in the league since January but it's insipid nature has raised concerns and Solskjaer's side simply cannot be as flat against the Seagulls and Spurs. They came back to claim third in the second half of last season but it's unlikely to be a trick they can repeat twice.
Life would be much easier if they could keep pace with the top four from the start of this season but to do that they need to get the defeat to a Wilfried Zaha-inspired Palace out of their systems.
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter Get the latest breaking Manchester United transfer news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
It's systems that will be playing on Solskjaer's mind as United prepare to head to the south coast twice in a matter of days. Potter was right to say that United were the best team around after lockdown, but their side and their style hasn't changed much since then. Teams have become wise to the threat of Bruno Fernandes and the pace of Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.
The quality of those players will still make a difference, of course, but teams will work out ways to defend against them, by trying to mark Fernandes out of the game and defending deeper and narrower against the front three.
United have to find ways to unsettle defences, to give them something else to think about if the methods that worked so well in June and July aren't working in September and October.
Having another creative midfielder in Van de Beek can help with that and another top level forward will be a bonus as well. Solskjaer dropped Fernandes a little deeper after Van de Beek came on last week. He can also use players such as Daniel James off the bench to try and make the game wider.
There are various ways to try and give opposing defences something different to think about, to try and engineer more space for United's key men. Solskjaer has to find a way that works if Plan A doesn't.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-25--Wigan is put back under local lockdown rules after Covid infection rate goes up

Wigan has been placed back under local lockdown rules after a large rise in the coronavirus infection rate , the town 's MP has confirmed .
The rules covering most of Greater Manchester will now also apply to Wigan .
Lisa Nandy said she had spoken to Health Secretary Matt Hancock this morning ( Friday ) and was informed that the rule change was down to rising infection rates .
It means the borough is no longer under the same rules as the rest of the country and will be instead subject to specialised local restrictions .
It is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will come into effect immediately .
Wigan was placed under the same rules as Greater Manchester on July 30 , but local leaders successfully lobbied for the town to be removed from the restrictions because at the time the infection rate was far lower than in other boroughs .
But the number of positive test has risen quickly in recent weeks and there have been more than 100 new infections for every 100,000 people in the borough over the last week .
In a tweet , Mrs Nandy said : `` The Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a rise in infections in Wigan means we ’ re subject to wider Greater Manchester restrictions again .
`` I know how hard it is but to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed please follow the guidance . ''
The new rules mean : • You must not host people you do not live with at your home or in your garden or meet them in their homes or gardens unless you are in a support bubble .
• Some people can still visit your home but only in these specific circumstances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone from another household in any public venue , including pubs , bars or restaurants , unless they are in your support bubble .
• You should not visit friends or family in care homes unless in exceptional circumstances .
• You should wear a mask on public transport and avoid car journeys with people from another household where possible .
Other rules remain the same as they do in the rest of the country , including restrictions on pubs and restaurants to offer table service only and to close at 10pm .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you fall under any exceptions , go to the government 's website .

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Wigan has been placed back under local lockdown rules after a large rise in the coronavirus infection rate, the town's MP has confirmed.
The rules covering most of Greater Manchester will now also apply to Wigan.
Lisa Nandy said she had spoken to Health Secretary Matt Hancock this morning (Friday) and was informed that the rule change was down to rising infection rates.
It means the borough is no longer under the same rules as the rest of the country and will be instead subject to specialised local restrictions.
The rules will come into force at midnight - Friday into Saturday.
Wigan was placed under the same rules as Greater Manchester on July 30, but local leaders successfully lobbied for the town to be removed from the restrictions because at the time the infection rate was far lower than in other boroughs.
But the number of positive test has risen quickly in recent weeks and there have been more than 100 new infections for every 100,000 people in the borough over the last week.
In a tweet, Mrs Nandy said: "The Health Minister confirmed in a call this morning that a rise in infections in Wigan means we’re subject to wider Greater Manchester restrictions again.
"I know how hard it is but to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed please follow the guidance."
The new rules mean:
You must not host people you do not live with at your home or in your garden or meet them in their homes or gardens unless you are in a support bubble.
Some people can still visit your home but only in these specific circumstances.
Nightclubs and dance halls remain closed.
You should not visit friends or family in care homes unless in exceptional circumstances.
You should wear a mask on public transport and avoid car journeys with people from another household where possible.
The government is also advising people not to socialise with anyone not from their household or bubble inside or outside 'any public venue'.That includes pubs and beer gardens, restaurants, cafes, parks, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure centres or entertainment venues.
Other rules remain the same as they do in the rest of the country, including restrictions on pubs and restaurants to offer table service only and to close at 10pm.
To check the rules or see if you fall under any exceptions, go to the government's website.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-25--Bolton v Newport streaming details, how to watch and match odds

Bolton Wanderers return to action this weekend when they entertain Newport County .
The Exiles travel to the University of Bolton Stadium for the League Two clash .
Wanderers head into the meeting having tasted defeat in all four competitive games across all competitions so far this season .
Defeats in the Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy to Bradford City and Crewe Alexandra respectively have been followed by successive losses in League Two for Forest Green Rovers and on the road against Colchester United the last time out .
But this weekend , Wanderers are back at home and aiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach Ian Evatt since his move from Barrow over the summer .
Bolton face a Newport side who have started the new campaign well under Michael Flynn , losing just one of their six games so far .
Last time out in midweek , the Exiles dumped Championship side Watford out of the Carabao Cup , and currently sit ninth in League Two heading into the weekend .
The match this weekend will be taking place behind closed doors with no supporters in attendance .
With that in mind , here 's how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
When is the game ?
The League Two fixture between Bolton Wanderers and Newport County kicks off at 3pm at the University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday , September 26 .
How can I watch the game ?
The match is being played behind closed doors and supporters are not permitted to attend .
However , the match is being streamed live on the iFollow platform .
A match pass costs £10 and Wanderers season ticket holders can watch the game for free .
This can be streamed on a laptop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using a standard HDMI cable .
For more information and to purchase a pass , click here .
There will also be a live blog throughout the afternoon on the Manchester Evening News website .
What happened in the previous meeting between these two clubs ?
The last time these two sides locked horns was back in the 1987/88 season , which was the previous occasion where Wanderers were in the fourth tier of English football .
Bolton did the double over the Exiles in that campaign with a 1-0 victory on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this up with a 6-0 victory over the Welsh side in April 1988 at Burnden Park .
What are the match odds ?
According to The Pools , Wanderers are 13/10 to emerge with all three points , while a Newport win is priced at 2/1 .
The draw is priced at 9/4 .

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Bolton Wanderers return to action this weekend when they entertain Newport County.
The Exiles travel to the University of Bolton Stadium for the League Two clash.
Wanderers head into the meeting having tasted defeat in all four competitive games across all competitions so far this season.
Defeats in the Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy to Bradford City and Crewe Alexandra respectively have been followed by successive losses in League Two for Forest Green Rovers and on the road against Colchester United the last time out.
But this weekend, Wanderers are back at home and aiming for their first victory under new head coach Ian Evatt since his move from Barrow over the summer.
Bolton face a Newport side who have started the new campaign well under Michael Flynn, losing just one of their six games so far.
Last time out in midweek, the Exiles dumped Championship side Watford out of the Carabao Cup, and currently sit ninth in League Two heading into the weekend.
The match this weekend will be taking place behind closed doors with no supporters in attendance.
With that in mind, here's how you can keep track of events on Saturday.
When is the game?
The League Two fixture between Bolton Wanderers and Newport County kicks off at 3pm at the University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday, September 26.
How can I watch the game?
The match is being played behind closed doors and supporters are not permitted to attend.
However, the match is being streamed live on the iFollow platform. A match pass costs £10 and Wanderers season ticket holders can watch the game for free.
This can be streamed on a laptop and then hooked up to a television using a standard HDMI cable.
For more information and to purchase a pass, click here.
There will also be a live blog throughout the afternoon on the Manchester Evening News website.
What happened in the previous meeting between these two clubs?
The last time these two sides locked horns was back in the 1987/88 season, which was the previous occasion where Wanderers were in the fourth tier of English football.
Bolton did the double over the Exiles in that campaign with a 1-0 victory on the road on November 1987.
Wanderers followed this up with a 6-0 victory over the Welsh side in April 1988 at Burnden Park.
What are the match odds?
According to The Pools, Wanderers are 13/10 to emerge with all three points, while a Newport win is priced at 2/1.
The draw is priced at 9/4.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-25--Dortmund confirm plans for new signing Bynoe-Gittens from Man City

Dortmund are `` delighted '' with the signing of Jamie Bynoe-Gittens from Manchester City 's academy but do not want to raise expectations too early .
The Bundesliga club have announced the arrival of the talented teenager , who joined City at Under-14 level from Reading and made his Under-18 debut aged just 15 but decided that he had better prospects of first team football by following the Jadon Sancho path .
Dortmund have established a reputation for developing some of the best talents in young football , and currently boast United target Sancho , Jude Bellingham , Gio Reyna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others .
The hope is that Bynoe-Gittens can also flourish in that environment , although for the time being the player will work with the youth teams to integrate at the club .
`` Jamie Bynoe-Gittens has joined us , and we are delighted to have him in our youth set-up .
He will initially play with the Under-19s , '' said sporting director Michael Zorc .
`` Our scouting department have done a fantastic job .
He is a highly talented wide player , who will get the chance to develop at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We do n't want expectations to be raised too high right from the start .
He is still a year younger than Jadon was then .
The hope is that at some point he will be promoted to the professional team . ''
Bynoe-Gittens is not the only youngster to leave City 's academy this summer , with 17-year-old Charlie McNeill moving back to United after seeing his opportunities limited with the Blues .

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Dortmund are "delighted" with the signing of Jamie Bynoe-Gittens from Manchester City's academy but do not want to raise expectations too early.
The Bundesliga club have announced the arrival of the talented teenager, who joined City at Under-14 level from Reading and made his Under-18 debut aged just 15 but decided that he had better prospects of first team football by following the Jadon Sancho path.
Dortmund have established a reputation for developing some of the best talents in young football, and currently boast United target Sancho, Jude Bellingham, Gio Reyna and Erling Haaland in their team among others. The hope is that Bynoe-Gittens can also flourish in that environment, although for the time being the player will work with the youth teams to integrate at the club.
"Jamie Bynoe-Gittens has joined us, and we are delighted to have him in our youth set-up. He will initially play with the Under-19s," said sporting director Michael Zorc.
"Our scouting department have done a fantastic job. He is a highly talented wide player, who will get the chance to develop at his own pace in our youth teams.
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"We don't want expectations to be raised too high right from the start. He is still a year younger than Jadon was then. The hope is that at some point he will be promoted to the professional team."
Bynoe-Gittens is not the only youngster to leave City's academy this summer, with 17-year-old Charlie McNeill moving back to United after seeing his opportunities limited with the Blues.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-25--Man City v Leicester: TV and live stream details, kick-off, odds

Manchester City resume their Premier League campaign with a match against Leicester City .
Pep Guardiola 's men kicked off their 2020-21 season with a 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux .
And on Thursday night , a much-changed side saw off Bournemouth 2-1 in the third round of the Carabao Cup .
Leicester were knocked out of the competition by Arsenal , who beat them 2-0 at the King Power Stadium .
However , Brendan Rodgers ' Foxes have won both their league matches so far this term .
A 3-0 win at newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last weekend .
Here is some key information ahead of Man City 's next fixture ...
When is the match ?
Manchester City v Leicester City will take place on Sunday , September 27 .
The game is being played at the Etihad Stadium , kicking off at 4.30pm .
Is it live on TV ?
The match is being shown live on Sky Sports .
Coverage will be on the Main Event and Premier League channels , starting from 4pm .
Sky Sports customers can live stream the game via the Sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including laptops , tablets and smartphones .
NOW TV subscribers can also stream the match through a computer or apps available on most smart TVs , phones and consoles .
What are the odds ?

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Manchester City resume their Premier League campaign with a match against Leicester City.
Pep Guardiola's men kicked off their 2020-21 season with a 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux and on Thursday night, a much-changed side saw off Bournemouth 2-1 in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Leicester were knocked out of the competition by Arsenal, who beat them 2-0 at the King Power Stadium. However, Brendan Rodgers' Foxes have won both their league matches so far this term.
A 3-0 win at newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion was followed by a 4-2 win over Burnley last weekend.
Here is some key information ahead of Man City 's next fixture...
When is the match?
Manchester City v Leicester City will take place on Sunday, September 27.
The game is being played at the Etihad Stadium, kicking off at 4.30pm.
Is it live on TV?
The match is being shown live on Sky Sports.
Coverage will be on the Main Event and Premier League channels, starting from 4pm.
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Can I live stream the game?
Sky Sports customers can live stream the game via the Sky Go app on a number of devices, including laptops, tablets and smartphones.
NOW TV subscribers can also stream the match through a computer or apps available on most smart TVs, phones and consoles.
What are the odds?
Man City 2/7
Leicester 17/2
Draw 5/1
Odds from Sky Bet (subject to change)


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-25--Van de Beek has given Pogba what he wanted at Manchester United

There are certain questions you can pretty much predict will be asked at any of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's press conferences at the moment .
Why have n't Manchester United bought any more players ?
Why have n't Manchester United sold any more players ?
Do you think Manchester United need to buy more players ?
More players ?
With just over a week left of the summer transfer window things are less than ideal at Old Trafford and Solskjaer knows his squad still needs to improve if they are to achieve their targets for the season ahead .
United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they need a world-class centre-back , and arguably they need a new full-back and perhaps even another striker .
However , mystery remains over sole summer arrival Donny van de Beek , and questions about where he fits into the side are now becoming just as regular as transfer probes at press conferences .
`` Good players can play well together , '' Solskjaer reiterated at his latest media encounter on Friday morning .
The United manager went on to cite 'competition for places , lots of combinations and different systems ' before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Van de Beek , Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba together at some point .
It seems unlikely United will indulge in such an attacking set-up against a side as well organised as Brighton this weekend , especially considering the opening day defeat to Crystal Palace , but it is certainly a prospect which will excite supporters .
In his two appearances for the club Van de Beek has arguably been United 's best player , but the midweek win against Luton again highlighted the key role Nemanja Matic plays in anchoring the midfield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work .
The trip to Brighton on Saturday will likely see Solskjaer play Matic , Fred or Scott McTominay in a specialist defensive midfield role and one of Van de Beek , Fernandes or Pogba missing out from the start .
Performances over the past week have certainly seen Van de Beek shoot up the hypothetical midfield power rankings amongst fans , and there will be justifiable disappointment should he miss out on a starting berth at the Amex .
The fact there is even a debate over United 's midfield selection signifies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line-up post lockdown , and even though there more pressing transfer issues remain , Van de Beek 's arrival has already been justified by the dilemma he has given Solskjaer .
United 's packed fixture schedule will make such selection issues more understandable as fatigue begins to play a part throughout the campaign , but for now Van de Beek has thrown down the gauntlet .
The exciting news for fans is that the onus is now on the likes of Pogba to respond .
It looks like he 's been given the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year .

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There are certain questions you can pretty much predict will be asked at any of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's press conferences at the moment.
Why haven't Manchester United bought any more players? Why haven't Manchester United sold any more players? Do you think Manchester United need to buy more players? More players?
With just over a week left of the summer transfer window things are less than ideal at Old Trafford and Solskjaer knows his squad still needs to improve if they are to achieve their targets for the season ahead.
United still need a specialist right winger, they need a world-class centre-back, and arguably they need a new full-back and perhaps even another striker.
However, mystery remains over sole summer arrival Donny van de Beek, and questions about where he fits into the side are now becoming just as regular as transfer probes at press conferences.
"Good players can play well together," Solskjaer reiterated at his latest media encounter on Friday morning. The United manager went on to cite 'competition for places, lots of combinations and different systems' before assuring we would see a midfield of Van de Beek, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba together at some point.
It seems unlikely United will indulge in such an attacking set-up against a side as well organised as Brighton this weekend, especially considering the opening day defeat to Crystal Palace, but it is certainly a prospect which will excite supporters.
In his two appearances for the club Van de Beek has arguably been United's best player, but the midweek win against Luton again highlighted the key role Nemanja Matic plays in anchoring the midfield and allowing such free attacking movement to work.
The trip to Brighton on Saturday will likely see Solskjaer play Matic, Fred or Scott McTominay in a specialist defensive midfield role and one of Van de Beek, Fernandes or Pogba missing out from the start.
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Performances over the past week have certainly seen Van de Beek shoot up the hypothetical midfield power rankings amongst fans, and there will be justifiable disappointment should he miss out on a starting berth at the Amex.
The fact there is even a debate over United's midfield selection signifies a change from the predictability of the line-up post lockdown, and even though there more pressing transfer issues remain, Van de Beek's arrival has already been justified by the dilemma he has given Solskjaer.
United's packed fixture schedule will make such selection issues more understandable as fatigue begins to play a part throughout the campaign, but for now Van de Beek has thrown down the gauntlet. The exciting news for fans is that the onus is now on the likes of Pogba to respond. It looks like he's been given the 'new challenge' he was asking for last year.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-26--Man United make take-it-or-leave it offer for Sancho and more rumours

Manchester United will submit their final offer for Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho next week - according to reports .
Sancho remains United 's priority transfer target but the Reds have been unable to reach a significant breakthrough in negotiations for the England international .
MEN Sport understand United made progress in talks over agents fees and personal terms earlier this month but still need to strike a deal with Dortmund who have reiterated through various statements that they expect Sancho to remain at the club .
The Mirror report United are preparing a take-it-or-leave-it offer which will be comprised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £15m payable in add-ons .
That offer still falls short of Dortmund 's £108m valuation of the 20-year-old .
According to the report , United executive vice chairman Ed Woodward will tell Dortmund that there will be no negotiation on the fee or structure of the deal .
United see their £90m offer as 'generous ' given the financial climate in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic .
Elsewhere , Inter Milan are reportedly set to hijack Roma 's move for United defender Chris Smalling .
Smalling spent last season on loan with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Italy .
Reports claim Inter are on the verge of selling defender Milan Skriniar and could use the funds from his sale to launch a bid for Smalling .
Corriere dello Sport claim Antonio Conte 's number one target is Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic but believe a move for Smalling is more likely .
The relationship between the two clubs is good following deals for Romelu Lukaku , Ashley Young and Alexis Sanchez which could hand Inter the advantage in the race for his signature .

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Manchester United will submit their final offer for Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho next week - according to reports.
Sancho remains United's priority transfer target but the Reds have been unable to reach a significant breakthrough in negotiations for the England international.
MEN Sport understand United made progress in talks over agents fees and personal terms earlier this month but still need to strike a deal with Dortmund who have reiterated through various statements that they expect Sancho to remain at the club.
The Mirror report United are preparing a take-it-or-leave-it offer which will be comprised of £75million up front with a further £15m payable in add-ons. That offer still falls short of Dortmund's £108m valuation of the 20-year-old.
According to the report, United executive vice chairman Ed Woodward will tell Dortmund that there will be no negotiation on the fee or structure of the deal.
United see their £90m offer as 'generous' given the financial climate in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Elsewhere, Inter Milan are reportedly set to hijack Roma's move for United defender Chris Smalling.
Smalling spent last season on loan with Roma and impressed during his debut season in Italy.
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Reports claim Inter are on the verge of selling defender Milan Skriniar and could use the funds from his sale to launch a bid for Smalling.
Corriere dello Sport claim Antonio Conte's number one target is Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic but believe a move for Smalling is more likely.
The relationship between the two clubs is good following deals for Romelu Lukaku, Ashley Young and Alexis Sanchez which could hand Inter the advantage in the race for his signature.