themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-25--The things bugging Manchester's bus drivers - and what their bosses say

As the coronavirus crisis hits its peak in Greater Manchester , many bus drivers are ploughing on despite fears for their own welfare and the health of their families .
Bus operators say they are closely following Government guidance and have taken a range of measures to adapt to these unprecedented times - which have brought the challenges of slashed passenger numbers and spiralling revenue .
But with 29 London transport workers now having died after testing positive for COVID-19 , Unite the union says drivers here still have a number of concerns about conditions at work - ranging from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and masks , to working hours and the limitations of social distancing on public transport .
It comes as Jim McMahon , Labour 's shadow Transport Secretary , calls on the Government to provide more clarity over concerns there is a lack of consistency among Greater Manchester 's 18 bus operators .
Unlike in London where all the buses are controlled by Transport for London , Greater Manchester 's buses are run by different operators , who decide on their own timetables , ticket costs - and how to respond to pandemic guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grant Shapps , Mr McMahon asked the Government to 'cut through the overlapping and contradictory ' advice which has resulted in different bus operators taking differing approaches .
He added : `` There is concern relating to the provision of PPE , and which approach provides the best protection , the risk in transmission through cash handling , and how passengers can be managed as the lock down is lifted and patronage increases . ''
The Department for Transport said they expected public transport operators to follow their guidance on social distancing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay at home and avoid using public transport if possible .
Their full statement is at the end of this story .
Here , we take a look at the issues and responses from operators .
The M.E.N has spoken to drivers who say many passengers have been supportive and kind during the crisis - thanking them in person and through signs left on bus stops .
However , they say a minority of passengers are making their lives more difficult by using public transport for non-essential journeys .
One driver told us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is a serious pandemic we are going through .
`` The minority of the public are using this as an easy way to get around , travelling up and down routes for a couple of stops .
These are n't key workers .
They are abusing the system .
`` Either they do n't think of anything other than themselves or they are just blatantly ignoring the message that 's being sent out . ''
Some drivers would also like to see key workers travelling for free .
A driver said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't .
It 's the least we can do to show our appreciation for what they are doing for this country . ''
Ian Humphreys , Managing Director of First Manchester , said : `` There are now only around 10pc of people travelling on buses to what would normally be and for those making bus journeys we are advising that everyone follows the government guidance on social distancing , standing at bus stops , boarding , alighting and when seated . ''
Stagecoach said : `` We continue to work collaboratively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time to promote the safety and well-being of employees and customers . ''
London already has a contactless , cash-free system - but Greater Manchester is behind the capital when it comes to payment technology .
Although WHO guidance says there is no evidence that cash is transmitting the virus , they are also advising people to wash their hands after handling it .
Although accepted that cash is vital for some passengers , it 's led some , including the shadow transport secretary , to question whether there should be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the revenue risk - in the same way it has with train operators .
And while some drivers here have spoken of their concerns over handling cash , operators are not unified in their approach .
Arriva , for example , has settled on a compromise where drivers only accept exact money and do not give change to minimise contact .
Stagecoach , meanwhile , has also trialled this method in Preston but it 's yet to be rolled out more widely .
One Stagecoach driver told us : `` It bothers me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are n't backing down on that one . ''
Another added : `` It does worry me when you handle cash , it 's dirty is n't it . ''
A third driver said : `` I do n't think we should be handling cash considering the amount of hands it goes through . ''
John Boughton , regional industrial organiser for Unite the Union said : `` The handling of cash is a really big issue .
The problem is some companies have to take cash because they have n't got contactless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't even have to tap in any more meaning safety is being put over revenue .
`` With Arriva you effectively put the change in a receptacle and it goes straight into a bag so it 's limiting the amount drivers touch cash .
`` I 'm not sure whether the Stagecoach trial will transcend into a national thing but we feel they are dragging their feet and we support any mechanism that would minimise the risk , including not issuing change . ''
Gary Nolan from OneBus , which represents all operators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find alternatives to using cash to pay for their journey . ''
Ian Humphreys , Managing Director of First Manchester , said : `` We are asking customers to use alternative payment methods other than cash wherever possible such as contactless payment cards or purchasing tickets in advance on our app . ''
Stagecoach said : `` We have asked customers to use contactless payment wherever possible and this has dramatically reduced cash handling .
`` However , we have retained cash as an option to ensure key workers who only have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to travel .
`` At the same time we are also looking at opportunities to further minimise cash use . ''
They said they would use feedback from the Preston trial to consider whether to expand a no-change system elsewhere , adding : `` It is completely false to suggest any employee has been disciplined for not accepting cash . ''
A number of drivers have told us that their working hours have changed since the lockdown .
One , who asked to remain anonymous , said : `` Drivers are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' priority .
Among many concerns we 've had , we 're now being forced to work multiple Sundays a month rather than bringing staff off furlough .
As always it 's the needs of the business above us as workers .
We 're petrified of this virus . ''
Unite said : `` We 've had complaints , particularly from the Sharston Stagecoach depot , where staff are being asked to work more Sundays that they would normally .
`` Sometimes Sundays are the only time some people can see their children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is now less scope in duties due to what 's happening so drivers are being asked to do more Sundays or longer shifts .
Our local reps are on to that . ''
He added : `` I think there is a perception that , in their haste to save money , some of the bus companies furloughed more people than they needed to and are now struggling to meet the services they require .
It always seems the bus driver is the last thing that 's thought about . ''
Stagecoach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are currently operating has passenger numbers which are around 15pc of pre-Covid levels .
Our staffing levels and shift patterns reflect the significantly reduced level of travel and are working well . ''
Ian Humphreys , Managing Director of First Manchester , said : `` Our drivers have responded superbly to this unprecedented situation and are at the frontline in delivering our services to keep key workers and others needing to make essential journeys moving about . ''
Action by operators includes cordoning off seating areas around the driver , taping over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ double decker buses where possible .
While London is able to make use of the middle doors on its buses , this is not possible in Greater Manchester 's single-door buses .
And some smaller operators do n't have screens on their buses .
Jim McMahon , Labour 's shadow Transport Secretary , has queried whether physical barriers should be in place for all buses - and whether Government will provide specification on the most effective installation .
He 'd also like to see a clear definition of the number of seats around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and strict guidance on queuing and boarding management .
John Boughton from Unite said : `` While seats around the driver being cordoned off does give the driver distancing , some people do n't social distance on the bus .
`` Some services at peak times in the morning have overcrowding which makes things difficult .
We are lobbying companies , where there is overcrowding , to duplicate buses to reduce the risk . ''
Gary Nolan from OneBus , which represents all operators , said all customers were encouraged to follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are using double deck buses wherever possible , he said , adding : `` Our staff are doing a fantastic job and their safety and that of our customers is paramount . ''
Stagecoach said : `` Any suggestion that as a highly responsible operator we are not taking all of the scientifically recommended steps to both protect the health and well-being of staff and customers and continue operating lifeline services for key workers and is nothing short of reprehensible , and an insult to the dedication of bus workers across Greater Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of First Manchester , said : `` There are now only around 10pc of people travelling on buses to what would normally be and for those making bus journeys we are advising that everyone follows the government guidance on social distancing , standing at bus stops , boarding , alighting and when seated . ''
Bus operators have highlighted their efforts to ramp up cleaning , especially of touch-points like bell pushes and grab handles .
Mr McMahon , shadow transport secretary , says the government should issue clear guidance on cleaning routines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complaints from drivers .
A Stagecoach driver told the M.E.N : `` From what I 've seen it 's often a driver going round with a disinfectant and mopping down surfaces because most of the cleaners finish at midday .
`` I 've gone eight hours ' driving without my bus being cleaned . ''
John Boughton from Unite , said : `` All bus companies have introduced deep clean procedures and that 's mainly making sure places people touch are washed down .
`` The issue is that might be done overnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service for 10-12 hours and it 's that in-service cleaning that drivers are worried about .
All companies are doing in-service cleaning but whether it 's adequate enough is the question .
`` We are lobbying to make sure the risk to our members is reduced by ensuring , wherever possible , the bus is cleaned - for example when it 's parked up at a terminal .
Stagecoach said : `` Keeping our people and customers safe is our absolute priority and all of our vehicles are going through an enhanced cleaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to , and includes extensive cleaning of the main customer touch-points . ''
First said : `` We are undertaking enhanced deep cleans on buses , ensuring bell pushes , window ledges , hand rails and other touchpoints are thoroughly cleansed every day . ''
The shortage of PPE across all walks of life has been widely publicised .
It remains a contentious issue with transport staff .
We 've been told by drivers that most operators , like Stagecoach are just providing hand sanitiser , while some , Like First , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks .
One Stagecoach driver said : `` We do n't have masks or gloves from the company .
`` I have a family at home and I do worry about bringing the virus home to them .
`` If some of my family members got this they 'd be finished because they are in the vulnerable category .
A second Stagecoach driver said : `` We 're not given any PPE at all , they said if we want gloves we can wear them but they 're not providing them .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Boughton from Unite said : `` They are hiding behind WHO and PHE advice to say wearing masks and gloves is more of a risk because it makes people less cautious .
None of the companies are prohibiting drovers from wearing them - they just are n't providing them .
`` All this is about trying to reduce risk to our members . ''
Mr McMahon has called for clear guidance on whether drivers should have PPE - and whether buses should be running without it .
Stagecoach said they had issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding : `` We continue to strictly follow the government and public health guidelines , particularly around protective equipment for non-medical staff , and we will take any necessary additional steps if that advice is updated . ''
First said : `` The health , safety and wellbeing of our staff and customers is always at the forefront of our bus operation .
We are constantly reviewing Government and health organisation guidance including the issue of appropriate equipment where advised to do so . ''
Unite the union claims Transport for Greater Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or shut down some interchange facilities - depriving drivers of somewhere to properly wash their hands at the end of a shift .
However TfGM has denied this , adding : `` While staffing has been reduced across all interchanges in response to the reductions in public transport as a result of coronavirus , all welfare facilities continue to be open as usual for drivers to use . ''
`` Our transport workers do a vital job in keeping essential journeys going , and we ’ re committed to keeping them safe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy on personal protective equipment , as well as further guidance on social distancing in the workplace , which we expect employers to follow closely in order to best look after their staff .
`` People should stay home and avoid using the transport network if possible , to prevent the spread of coronavirus , protect the NHS and save lives . ''

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As the coronavirus crisis hits its peak in Greater Manchester, many bus drivers are ploughing on despite fears for their own welfare and the health of their families.
Bus operators say they are closely following Government guidance and have taken a range of measures to adapt to these unprecedented times - which have brought the challenges of slashed passenger numbers and spiralling revenue.
But with 29 London transport workers now having died after testing positive for COVID-19, Unite the union says drivers here still have a number of concerns about conditions at work - ranging from handling cash to a lack of gloves and masks, to working hours and the limitations of social distancing on public transport.
It comes as Jim McMahon, Labour's shadow Transport Secretary, calls on the Government to provide more clarity over concerns there is a lack of consistency among Greater Manchester's 18 bus operators.
Unlike in London where all the buses are controlled by Transport for London, Greater Manchester's buses are run by different operators, who decide on their own timetables, ticket costs - and how to respond to pandemic guidance.
In a letter to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, Mr McMahon asked the Government to 'cut through the overlapping and contradictory' advice which has resulted in different bus operators taking differing approaches.
He added: "There is concern relating to the provision of PPE, and which approach provides the best protection, the risk in transmission through cash handling, and how passengers can be managed as the lock down is lifted and patronage increases."
The Department for Transport said they expected public transport operators to follow their guidance on social distancing and personal protective equipment, while people should stay at home and avoid using public transport if possible.
Their full statement is at the end of this story.
Here, we take a look at the issues and responses from operators.
Passengers
The M.E.N has spoken to drivers who say many passengers have been supportive and kind during the crisis - thanking them in person and through signs left on bus stops.
However, they say a minority of passengers are making their lives more difficult by using public transport for non-essential journeys.
One driver told us: "We need people to realise this is a serious pandemic we are going through.
"The minority of the public are using this as an easy way to get around, travelling up and down routes for a couple of stops. These aren't key workers. They are abusing the system.
"Either they don't think of anything other than themselves or they are just blatantly ignoring the message that's being sent out."
Some drivers would also like to see key workers travelling for free.
A driver said: "We don't understand why they can't. It's the least we can do to show our appreciation for what they are doing for this country."
Operators say:
Ian Humphreys, Managing Director of First Manchester, said: "There are now only around 10pc of people travelling on buses to what would normally be and for those making bus journeys we are advising that everyone follows the government guidance on social distancing, standing at bus stops, boarding, alighting and when seated."
Stagecoach said: "We continue to work collaboratively with trade unions and our people throughout this time to promote the safety and well-being of employees and customers."
(Image: Getty)
Cash
London already has a contactless, cash-free system - but Greater Manchester is behind the capital when it comes to payment technology.
Although WHO guidance says there is no evidence that cash is transmitting the virus, they are also advising people to wash their hands after handling it.
Although accepted that cash is vital for some passengers, it's led some, including the shadow transport secretary, to question whether there should be a ban on cash with the Government covering the revenue risk - in the same way it has with train operators.
And while some drivers here have spoken of their concerns over handling cash, operators are not unified in their approach.
Arriva, for example, has settled on a compromise where drivers only accept exact money and do not give change to minimise contact.
Stagecoach, meanwhile, has also trialled this method in Preston but it's yet to be rolled out more widely.
One Stagecoach driver told us: "It bothers me we are still accepting cash. They aren't backing down on that one."
Another added: "It does worry me when you handle cash, it's dirty isn't it."
A third driver said: "I don't think we should be handling cash considering the amount of hands it goes through."
(Image: STEVE ALLEN)
John Boughton, regional industrial organiser for Unite the Union said: "The handling of cash is a really big issue. The problem is some companies have to take cash because they haven't got contactless technology.
"In London you don't even have to tap in any more meaning safety is being put over revenue.
"With Arriva you effectively put the change in a receptacle and it goes straight into a bag so it's limiting the amount drivers touch cash.
"I'm not sure whether the Stagecoach trial will transcend into a national thing but we feel they are dragging their feet and we support any mechanism that would minimise the risk, including not issuing change."
Operators say:
Gary Nolan from OneBus, which represents all operators, said: "We encourage customers to find alternatives to using cash to pay for their journey."
Ian Humphreys, Managing Director of First Manchester, said: "We are asking customers to use alternative payment methods other than cash wherever possible such as contactless payment cards or purchasing tickets in advance on our app."
Stagecoach said: "We have asked customers to use contactless payment wherever possible and this has dramatically reduced cash handling.
"However, we have retained cash as an option to ensure key workers who only have access to this form of payment can continue to travel.
"At the same time we are also looking at opportunities to further minimise cash use."
They said they would use feedback from the Preston trial to consider whether to expand a no-change system elsewhere, adding: "It is completely false to suggest any employee has been disciplined for not accepting cash."
(Image: Mark Waugh Manchester Press Photography Ltd)
Working Hours
A number of drivers have told us that their working hours have changed since the lockdown.
One, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "Drivers are not convinced that our safety is the companies' priority. Among many concerns we've had, we're now being forced to work multiple Sundays a month rather than bringing staff off furlough. As always it's the needs of the business above us as workers. We're petrified of this virus."
Unite said: "We've had complaints, particularly from the Sharston Stagecoach depot, where staff are being asked to work more Sundays that they would normally.
"Sometimes Sundays are the only time some people can see their children if they are in split relationships. There is now less scope in duties due to what's happening so drivers are being asked to do more Sundays or longer shifts. Our local reps are on to that."
He added: "I think there is a perception that, in their haste to save money, some of the bus companies furloughed more people than they needed to and are now struggling to meet the services they require. It always seems the bus driver is the last thing that's thought about."
Covaid-19 - helping those who need it most in Greater Manchester The coronavirus outbreak has left many people across Greater Manchester struggling for access to food, basics and other support. Many of them are self-isolating, often in fragile health and alone. Public services have been working hard to find and help them, but we know they are over-stretched and working round the clock. So the Manchester Evening News and the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity have launched Covaid-19 - a fundraiser aimed at supporting those who most need help, from elderly people with no support network to homeless families living in hotels. The money will be distributed via the mayor of Greater Manchester's charity. You can donate by visiting our JustGiving page here.
Operators say:
Stagecoach said: "The emergency bus network we are currently operating has passenger numbers which are around 15pc of pre-Covid levels. Our staffing levels and shift patterns reflect the significantly reduced level of travel and are working well."
Ian Humphreys, Managing Director of First Manchester, said: "Our drivers have responded superbly to this unprecedented situation and are at the frontline in delivering our services to keep key workers and others needing to make essential journeys moving about."
(Image: STEVE ALLEN)
Social Distancing
Action by operators includes cordoning off seating areas around the driver, taping over holes in the screens, and deploying double decker buses where possible.
While London is able to make use of the middle doors on its buses, this is not possible in Greater Manchester's single-door buses. And some smaller operators don't have screens on their buses.
Jim McMahon, Labour's shadow Transport Secretary, has queried whether physical barriers should be in place for all buses - and whether Government will provide specification on the most effective installation.
He'd also like to see a clear definition of the number of seats around the driver which should be cordoned off - and strict guidance on queuing and boarding management.
John Boughton from Unite said: "While seats around the driver being cordoned off does give the driver distancing, some people don't social distance on the bus.
"Some services at peak times in the morning have overcrowding which makes things difficult. We are lobbying companies, where there is overcrowding, to duplicate buses to reduce the risk."
Operators say:
Gary Nolan from OneBus, which represents all operators, said all customers were encouraged to follow the guidance on social distancing.
Operators are using double deck buses wherever possible, he said, adding: "Our staff are doing a fantastic job and their safety and that of our customers is paramount."
Stagecoach said: "Any suggestion that as a highly responsible operator we are not taking all of the scientifically recommended steps to both protect the health and well-being of staff and customers and continue operating lifeline services for key workers and is nothing short of reprehensible, and an insult to the dedication of bus workers across Greater Manchester."
Ian Humphreys, Managing Director of First Manchester, said: "There are now only around 10pc of people travelling on buses to what would normally be and for those making bus journeys we are advising that everyone follows the government guidance on social distancing, standing at bus stops, boarding, alighting and when seated."
(Image: Sam Ryley)
Cleaning
Bus operators have highlighted their efforts to ramp up cleaning, especially of touch-points like bell pushes and grab handles.
Mr McMahon, shadow transport secretary, says the government should issue clear guidance on cleaning routines.
Unite the union are still receiving complaints from drivers.
A Stagecoach driver told the M.E.N: "From what I've seen it's often a driver going round with a disinfectant and mopping down surfaces because most of the cleaners finish at midday.
"I've gone eight hours' driving without my bus being cleaned."
John Boughton from Unite, said: "All bus companies have introduced deep clean procedures and that's mainly making sure places people touch are washed down.
"The issue is that might be done overnight but sometimes a bus is outside on service for 10-12 hours and it's that in-service cleaning that drivers are worried about. All companies are doing in-service cleaning but whether it's adequate enough is the question.
"We are lobbying to make sure the risk to our members is reduced by ensuring, wherever possible, the bus is cleaned - for example when it's parked up at a terminal.
Operators say:
Stagecoach said: "Keeping our people and customers safe is our absolute priority and all of our vehicles are going through an enhanced cleaning regime, which is being strictly adhered to, and includes extensive cleaning of the main customer touch-points."
First said: "We are undertaking enhanced deep cleans on buses, ensuring bell pushes, window ledges, hand rails and other touchpoints are thoroughly cleansed every day."
(Image: Getty Images)
Personal Protective Equipment
The shortage of PPE across all walks of life has been widely publicised.
It remains a contentious issue with transport staff. We've been told by drivers that most operators, like Stagecoach are just providing hand sanitiser, while some, Like First, are also providing gloves. None are supplying masks.
One Stagecoach driver said: "We don't have masks or gloves from the company.
"I have a family at home and I do worry about bringing the virus home to them.
"If some of my family members got this they'd be finished because they are in the vulnerable category.
A second Stagecoach driver said: "We're not given any PPE at all, they said if we want gloves we can wear them but they're not providing them. I am buying my own gloves."
John Boughton from Unite said: "They are hiding behind WHO and PHE advice to say wearing masks and gloves is more of a risk because it makes people less cautious. None of the companies are prohibiting drovers from wearing them - they just aren't providing them.
"All this is about trying to reduce risk to our members."
Mr McMahon has called for clear guidance on whether drivers should have PPE - and whether buses should be running without it.
Operators say:
Stagecoach said they had issued thousands of bottles of hand sanitiser, adding: "We continue to strictly follow the government and public health guidelines, particularly around protective equipment for non-medical staff, and we will take any necessary additional steps if that advice is updated."
First said: "The health, safety and wellbeing of our staff and customers is always at the forefront of our bus operation. We are constantly reviewing Government and health organisation guidance including the issue of appropriate equipment where advised to do so."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Closed-down facilities.
Unite the union claims Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has reduced the hours or shut down some interchange facilities - depriving drivers of somewhere to properly wash their hands at the end of a shift.
However TfGM has denied this, adding: "While staffing has been reduced across all interchanges in response to the reductions in public transport as a result of coronavirus, all welfare facilities continue to be open as usual for drivers to use."
A DfT spokesperson said:
"Our transport workers do a vital job in keeping essential journeys going, and we’re committed to keeping them safe.
"The Government has published its evidence-based strategy on personal protective equipment, as well as further guidance on social distancing in the workplace, which we expect employers to follow closely in order to best look after their staff.
"People should stay home and avoid using the transport network if possible, to prevent the spread of coronavirus, protect the NHS and save lives."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-25--The Manchester bars delivering wine and cocktails to your door

With bars across Manchester and beyond shut for the foreseeable future , nights in are the new nights out - whether we like it or not .
It 's a tough time for hospitality businesses - but the creative people behind them are nothing if not adaptable .
Many bars have launched their own delivery services , bringing quality wines and cocktails direct to your door with socially-distanced drop-offs .
Whether you 've got a special occasion to celebrate at home , or you 're just celebrating the fact that you made it through another week of home schooling or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit from your support .
If you 're looking for beer or cider , we have n't forgotten you - check out our list of Manchester breweries offering delivery here , as well as how to order takeout from your local pub or cider producer here .
This new not-for-profit cocktail delivery service has been launched by luxury drinks distribution service Highball Brands to support bars closed under the lockdown .
It brings top quality cocktails made by professional bartenders straight to your home , from the likes of Cottonopolis , Crazy Pedros @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , CBRB , Edinburgh Castle and Grindsmith Coffee Roasters .
Cocktails are made using Highball Brands ' spirits , including Takamaka Rum and Dangerous Don Mezcal , and come chilled and ready to drink in reusable single serve pouches .
All of the profits from sales of the cocktails will be evenly redistributed to the bars taking part , to help them through the current crisis .
Cocktails are priced at £7.50 each and will be available to order from thedrinksdrop.com .
Orders can be placed any time but delivery days are Thursdays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3pm for same day delivery .
The delivery radius covers the following postcodes : M1 , M11 , M12 , M13 , M14 , M15 , M16 , M17 , M18 , M19 , M2 , M20 , M21 , M24 , M25 , M27 , M28 , M29 , M3 , M30 , M32 , M35 , M4 , M40 , M43 , M44 , M5 , M50 , M6 , M60 , M61 , M7 , M8 , M9 , M99 , SK4 , SK5 .
Based at Hatch , wine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivery service within a six mile radius of the city centre .
It also covers certain areas of Stockport and Cheshire including the Heatons , Hazel Grove , Cheadle , Poynton , Handforth , Wilmslow and Bollington .
There 's a minimum order of £60 , which is no problem if you 're ordering one of its mixed cases ( priced £62.50 to £129 ) .
Deliveries are made after 2pm on Tuesdays , Thursdays and Saturdays , and they can arrange delivery to north Manchester too ( within the ring road ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have teamed up with some of Manchester 's best bars to deliver drinks to your door during lockdown .
Customers can order premium cocktails , delivered in as little as 30 minutes , from the virtual bar which will feature a rotating menu of five drinks made using Bacardi brands .
On the menu this week are creations from Science and Industry , and a Corazon Margarita from Cultureplex , the Apple Of My Eye from Cottonopolis , an Espresso Martini from London cocktail bar Grind , and the Cucumber Cooler from award-winning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will help to support the city 's bars and the people who work in them while their doors are shut .
You can drink wine AND do your bit for our health heroes when you order wine from Veeno - they 're donating 10 % of every online purchase to the NHS .
The Brazennose Street bar specialises in Italian wines , sourcing all its stock from its owners ' family vineyard Caruso & Minini in Sicily , ranging from silky red Sicani ( nero d ’ avola ) and oaky white Le @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and franciacorta .
NHS staff are also entitled to discounts to thank them for their lifesaving work .
While best known now as a growing group of tapas restaurants , Evuna originated as a fine wine house , importing exceptional wines from family-run bodegas across Spain .
Now they can be delivered to your door with the opening of its new online wine shop .
They 'll be mixing up their range regularly so there 's always something new to try , and will deliver within a 10 mile radius of their Altrincham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more .
Co-owner Jane Dowler will even help you organise your own home wine tasting if you 've got a special occasion to celebrate in lockdown , by emailing you tasting notes and food pairing suggestions .
Visit shopevuna.com or email jane @ evuna.com for more information .
TV wine guru Kate Goodman owns this Manchester-based merchant , so you 're guaranteed a good bottle when you buy from them .
They specialise in 'boutique ' wines from family owned-and-run wineries across the globe , with bottles ranging from £4 to £400 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Delivery is free locally on orders of any value , and nationally if you spend more than £50 .
If you have a local wine or drinks delivery service and would like to see it listed in this article , please email citylife @ reachplc.com .
To support local hospitality businesses affected by the lockdown , we 've also created the takeaway widget above ( click 'display interactive content ' if you ca n't see it on your device ) .
Business owners can use it to list their own food and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers can use it to search for restaurants and bars offering takeaway near them .
To add your business , please fill in this form .
The widget is displayed in all food and drink content on the Manchester Evening News website and is seen by tens of thousands of people every day .

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Subscribe to our daily What's On newsletter to keep up with what's happening around Greater Manchester
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Subscribe to our daily What's On newsletter to keep up with what's happening around Greater Manchester
With bars across Manchester and beyond shut for the foreseeable future, nights in are the new nights out - whether we like it or not.
It's a tough time for hospitality businesses - but the creative people behind them are nothing if not adaptable.
Many bars have launched their own delivery services, bringing quality wines and cocktails direct to your door with socially-distanced drop-offs.
Whether you've got a special occasion to celebrate at home, or you're just celebrating the fact that you made it through another week of home schooling or working, these local businesses would all benefit from your support.
If you're looking for beer or cider, we haven't forgotten you - check out our list of Manchester breweries offering delivery here, as well as how to order takeout from your local pub or cider producer here.
The Drinks Drop
(Image: PR press image)
This new not-for-profit cocktail delivery service has been launched by luxury drinks distribution service Highball Brands to support bars closed under the lockdown.
It brings top quality cocktails made by professional bartenders straight to your home, from the likes of Cottonopolis, Crazy Pedros, Liars Club, The Jane Eyre, CBRB, Edinburgh Castle and Grindsmith Coffee Roasters.
Cocktails are made using Highball Brands' spirits, including Takamaka Rum and Dangerous Don Mezcal, and come chilled and ready to drink in reusable single serve pouches.
All of the profits from sales of the cocktails will be evenly redistributed to the bars taking part, to help them through the current crisis.
Cocktails are priced at £7.50 each and will be available to order from thedrinksdrop.com. Orders can be placed any time but delivery days are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Order by 3pm for same day delivery.
The delivery radius covers the following postcodes: M1, M11, M12, M13, M14, M15, M16, M17, M18, M19, M2, M20, M21, M24, M25, M27, M28, M29, M3, M30, M32, M35, M4, M40, M43, M44, M5, M50, M6, M60, M61, M7, M8, M9, M99, SK4, SK5.
Vinyard MCR
Based at Hatch, wine bar Vinyard is now offering a free delivery service within a six mile radius of the city centre.
It also covers certain areas of Stockport and Cheshire including the Heatons, Hazel Grove, Cheadle, Poynton, Handforth, Wilmslow and Bollington.
There's a minimum order of £60, which is no problem if you're ordering one of its mixed cases (priced £62.50 to £129).
Deliveries are made after 2pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and they can arrange delivery to north Manchester too (within the ring road) for £5.
Visit goodeats.io/vinyard for more information.
Cocktails at Home by Bacardi
(Image: Deliveroo)
Bacardi and Deliveroo Editions have teamed up with some of Manchester's best bars to deliver drinks to your door during lockdown.
Customers can order premium cocktails, delivered in as little as 30 minutes, from the virtual bar which will feature a rotating menu of five drinks made using Bacardi brands.
On the menu this week are creations from Science and Industry, and a Corazon Margarita from Cultureplex, the Apple Of My Eye from Cottonopolis, an Espresso Martini from London cocktail bar Grind, and the Cucumber Cooler from award-winning Rossendale-born bartender Joe Schofield.
The initiative will help to support the city's bars and the people who work in them while their doors are shut.
Visit the Deliveroo Editions website to order.
Veeno
You can drink wine AND do your bit for our health heroes when you order wine from Veeno - they're donating 10% of every online purchase to the NHS.
The Brazennose Street bar specialises in Italian wines, sourcing all its stock from its owners' family vineyard Caruso & Minini in Sicily, ranging from silky red Sicani (nero d’avola) and oaky white Le Selezioni (catarratto/grecanico/inzolia) to sparkling prosecco and franciacorta.
NHS staff are also entitled to discounts to thank them for their lifesaving work.
Visit theveenostore.com to shop.
Evuna
While best known now as a growing group of tapas restaurants, Evuna originated as a fine wine house, importing exceptional wines from family-run bodegas across Spain.
Now they can be delivered to your door with the opening of its new online wine shop.
They'll be mixing up their range regularly so there's always something new to try, and will deliver within a 10 mile radius of their Altrincham branch when you order six bottles or more.
Co-owner Jane Dowler will even help you organise your own home wine tasting if you've got a special occasion to celebrate in lockdown, by emailing you tasting notes and food pairing suggestions.
Visit shopevuna.com or email jane@evuna.com for more information.
Reserve Wines
TV wine guru Kate Goodman owns this Manchester-based merchant, so you're guaranteed a good bottle when you buy from them.
They specialise in 'boutique' wines from family owned-and-run wineries across the globe, with bottles ranging from £4 to £400.
They also stock a range of spirits.
Delivery is free locally on orders of any value, and nationally if you spend more than £50.
Visit reservewines.co.uk for more information.
If you have a local wine or drinks delivery service and would like to see it listed in this article, please email citylife@reachplc.com.
To support local hospitality businesses affected by the lockdown, we've also created the takeaway widget above (click 'display interactive content' if you can't see it on your device).
Business owners can use it to list their own food and drink delivery or collection services - and customers can use it to search for restaurants and bars offering takeaway near them.
To add your business, please fill in this form. The widget is displayed in all food and drink content on the Manchester Evening News website and is seen by tens of thousands of people every day.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-25--Koffee Pot is delivering lockdown breakfast kits to your door

Manchester institution The Koffee Pot has been proudly 'creating and curing hangovers since 1978 ' with its massive breakfasts .
Now , with the Northern Quarter cafe closed under lockdown orders , it 's bringing them your door instead .
Owners of the beloved greasy spoon have launched a new breakfast kit delivery service so customers can recreate its famous fry-ups at home .
You can order drinks too , including Bloody Mary by the litre .
Veggie and vegan versions are also available .
All fry-up kits cost £20 , and delivery can be carried out for £2.50 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can call in to collect instead with no extra charge .
There 's also a DIY pancake kit ( 12 pancakes , 4 sausage patties , 4 streaky bacon rashers , 4 potato rostis , 4 free range eggs , maple and salted caramel syrups , icing sugar , butter and a carton of orange juice ) for £25 .
For a fancier home brunch , you can add on a litre of Bloody Mary for £7.50 , a bottle of fizz for £10 , or four tallboy cans of ShinDigger session ale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a burger box with everything you need to make two cheeseburgers and two bacon cheeseburgers , for £20 .
You 'll have to wait until next weekend to get your hands on one of its lockdown kits though .
Orders are taken until 3pm on Thursdays for socially distanced drop-offs on Fridays between 10am and 7pm , so they 're in your fridge ready for a Saturday or Sunday brunch .
Koffee Pot relocated to its current home on Oldham Street in 2015 .
The original Stevenson Square cafe inspired a line in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the band ’ s Mercury Prize winning album The Seldom Seen Kid .
And as Guy Garvey himself once said : “ If you ’ ve never had a bacon sandwich from there , you ’ ve never had a bacon sandwich .
”

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Manchester institution The Koffee Pot has been proudly 'creating and curing hangovers since 1978' with its massive breakfasts.
Now, with the Northern Quarter cafe closed under lockdown orders, it's bringing them your door instead.
Owners of the beloved greasy spoon have launched a new breakfast kit delivery service so customers can recreate its famous fry-ups at home.
You can order drinks too, including Bloody Mary by the litre.
Its Lockdown Brekkie Kit contains:
Littlewoods bacon x 4
Pork and Leek Sausages x 4
Black pudding x 2
White pudding x 2
Lorne sausage x 2
Potato cakes x 2
Eggs x 4
Beans
Tomatoes
Mushrooms
Bread and butter
A carton of orange juice
Veggie and vegan versions are also available.
All fry-up kits cost £20, and delivery can be carried out for £2.50 to addresses in Greater Manchester - or you can call in to collect instead with no extra charge.
There's also a DIY pancake kit (12 pancakes, 4 sausage patties, 4 streaky bacon rashers, 4 potato rostis, 4 free range eggs, maple and salted caramel syrups, icing sugar, butter and a carton of orange juice) for £25.
(Image: Koffee Pot)
For a fancier home brunch, you can add on a litre of Bloody Mary for £7.50, a bottle of fizz for £10, or four tallboy cans of ShinDigger session ale for £10.
They've also launched a burger box with everything you need to make two cheeseburgers and two bacon cheeseburgers, for £20.
You'll have to wait until next weekend to get your hands on one of its lockdown kits though.
Orders are taken until 3pm on Thursdays for socially distanced drop-offs on Fridays between 10am and 7pm, so they're in your fridge ready for a Saturday or Sunday brunch.
Koffee Pot relocated to its current home on Oldham Street in 2015.
The original Stevenson Square cafe inspired a line in Elbow song The Bones of You, from the band’s Mercury Prize winning album The Seldom Seen Kid.
And as Guy Garvey himself once said: “If you’ve never had a bacon sandwich from there, you’ve never had a bacon sandwich.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-25--Locked down, laid off: Tough times for city's army of bar and restaurant staff

If there is one area in the region that has been turned completely on its head by the coronavirus pandemic it is Manchester city centre .
On a sunny Easter bank holiday , the shops , pubs , bars and restaurants would normally be packed .
This year it was a ghost town - everywhere from Deansgate to Oxford Road lay virtually deserted .
It 's a strange sensation for Manchester - a city with a global reputation as a place to come and have a good time .
The region 's tourism industry also supports around 100,000 jobs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in a position of economic stress and uncertainty .
Hospitality can be a fragile occupation at the best of times .
Although the government has rolled out its furlough scheme , the chaotic nature of the coronavirus crisis means many lost work before it kicked in , or are unsure how much money they will qualify for , or exactly when they will receive it .
There are also pitfalls unique to hospitality such as gratuities and tips - seemingly not covered by the furlough scheme but worth up to 50 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers were already among the lowest paid in our city .
Many share flats in the apartment blocks that have proliferated around the centre of Manchester and Salford and find themselves liable for significant rents .
The city centre population is a mixture of people from across the world , of all ages and backgrounds and there are other worries to contend with .
Some are university students who do n't know what will happen with their studies , lots are from overseas and are n't eligible for Universal Credit and do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their families .
The Manchester Evening News spoke to hospitality staff to hear how they have been coping and what are the biggest challenges during life in lockdown .
'Maybe we 'll be better for it when this thing 's over' Tariq Malik , is from Chester but now lives in Manchester city centre .
He 's 31 and normally works as a waiter at a branch of the Miller and Carter steakhouse .
He is expecting to get 80 per cent of his average monthly wages through the government furlough scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gratuities and so will be more like 50pc of the money he 'd usually earn .
Tariq has recently found paid work in the care sector where there is huge demand for staff in response to the Covid-19 outbreak .
`` We 're grateful for what we 're getting , at least we 're getting something , '' said Tariq , in reference to the furlough pay .
`` But it does mean I need some extra money - I thought if I 'm not working for four months I might as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skills .
`` I 'm a man of many skills , I do acting as well , working in a restaurant is flexible and means I can go to auditions .
`` I 'm not from a care background but I was looking for jobs or something that was interesting to do - I was going to do the NHS volunteer scheme - but then I went for a care job and I actually got one .
`` Because I had a degree they just asked me to do a test - normally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in health and social care .
`` Within a few days I had my first job .
`` If this [ the coronavirus crisis ] had n't happened it would have never crossed my mind . ''
`` Do you know what 's really nice ?
I 've only done it a few days and the girls I 'm working with have already told the co-ordinator , 'yeah he 's right for it ' .
`` It 's nice to be with other people and there 's a demand for care at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or are self-isolating .
`` I never realised , you do n't think about getting old do you . ''
Tariq says working with the elderly and vulnerable has given him a renewed appreciation of his own circumstances , while giving him a sense of satisfaction that he is contributing during a difficult time .
`` When you see how people are not capable of doing things , it 's upsetting but it 's great to be able to do something , '' he said .
`` On the morning run we went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to assist her .
`` We helped her get out of bed and then , it depends on people 's mobility issues , some people can shower themselves , some you have to help them .
`` The men help the men and the women help the women .
`` I do n't know why I did n't think I would be doing that , I thought I would be taking them shopping or something , but it depends on each client .
`` Some of the clients you can chat to , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some we 've been singing and dancing with .
`` Some of them ca n't go out and they 're scared because they ca n't see family or friends .
`` I think everyone knows about the NHS but carers go a bit unnoticed .
`` We 've all got to pull together . ''
Not only has the care work brought in much-needed income , but Tariq thinks it may inspire him towards a change in career direction .
`` I consider myself a moral person , but I think if I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few months ago my friends would have laughed , '' he added .
`` But it 's just about getting in there and helping people and maybe we 'll be better for it when this thing 's over .
`` I bet employers will ask 'what did you do during the coronavirus crisis ?
I think it shows a good character .
`` Some people ca n't , if they 've got health conditions , but if you can ... it 's a mutual benefit .
`` If you do something good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for you .
`` It 's made me think I might want to work in a hospital eventually .
I 'm a social person , I like working with people .
`` I think whatever happens in the future I can always fall back on this , there will be a job in care . ''
Rosie Fay , 28 , from Sydney in Australia has been living in Manchester on a working holiday visa .
She was working as a Business Development Manager at an independent bar until the pandemic hit and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have no idea about what this means for the expiry of the visa , '' Rosie said .
`` My application for Universal Credit has been denied - all temporary residents are not eligible for any government financial assistance .
`` We are also not eligible for any NHS help if we contract the disease .
`` I live in Ancoats where we have cops patrolling the streets looking for rule breakers .
`` A few people spend some time in the park exercising which is a controversial topic in our house .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ me to pay rent or I will be evicted .
`` My furloughed pay seems to be happening ok , but I still do n't have answers on how much and when it ’ ll come through .
`` Landlord has not changed his stance on rent as two of my flatmates are still in a job .
`` There 's been no offer of reducing rent of payment options and he 's fully aware of my situation .
`` In the meantime , I ’ ve been helping a lot of friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` As soon as the laws are lifted we will be able to get together and plan for a reopening , giving us a ton of freedom to make changes to the menu , renovations etc . ''
'Every aspect of my life is just a mess' Harvey Collier , 23 , is from Leeds but came to study at Manchester Metropolitan University four year ago .
He lives in a flat on the outskirts of the city centre with his boyfriend .
Both work in restaurants waiting tables - Harvey part-time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were both working up until weeks ago even though it did n't feel very safe , '' said Harvey .
`` We 're just in limbo .
`` They 've put us furlough so we will get 80pc of our wages but my employer keeps saying the government have n't got back to them on how it works .
`` At first they were going to calculate the hours by how many you did in February , but that was only a short month .
`` So now they 've said it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the past year .
`` For me that 's about 20 hours a week .
`` But it does n't include tips which is massive .
I would make about £100 in a weekend .
`` My student load comes in installments - I get my next maintenance loan this month but it 's not enough , we do need to work .
`` When it all happened my parents went straight from Leeds to Liverpool to pick up my sister , she 's at uni there .
`` They went that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they might get stopped by police the next day .
`` They 've invited me and my boyfriend to stay as well but it 's not ideal .
`` I 'm applying to do a PGCE teacher training course at the moment .
`` So if I get that it starts in September and it comes with a bursary so if we can just hold on until then we 'll be alright .
`` My boyfriend wants us to move in with his family though - it 's something we keep arguing about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month - the letting agent has said we can ask about a payment plan .
`` But we ca n't even figure out what 's coming in yet because of the furlough .
`` I do n't know what 's going on with my dissertation and my exams either ... every aspect of my life is just a mess , I do n't know what 's going to happen !
Hannah Tadros , 29 , is originally from Perth in Australia but now lives in Castlefield .
She works in a city centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants for five years .
`` Before lockdown people on salaries were working four day weeks and people on hourly contracts were doing one week on one week off , '' she said .
`` We 've been feeling it since probably late February , early March , we started getting a lot of cancellations .
`` The last guest we had was a guy who 'd had to work at home and his parents were driving him nuts so he booked a hotel for a week .
`` I was working a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the phone rang about once an hour , if that , it was like a ghost town , it was completely dead .
`` There 's lots of international staff in hospitality - we have one guy from Italy who has been wondering when he 's going to get home to see family .
`` When we went into lockdown it was like 'at last , we all know where we stand ' .
The hotel is a big building so it took three or four days to close down .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off in a particular sequence .
`` We all became the department of housekeeping , dusting and turning on taps and toilets so that the water is safe for when we open back up .
`` The entire situation is strange , regardless of where you work . ''
Like the rest of the hotel staff , Hannah has been put on furlough pay by her employer , as have her housemates .
`` I 've heard mixed things from friends in hospitality - one of my housemates , their landlord said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next six months , '' she said .
`` We 've been really , really lucky with our landlord .
We share a three bed .
Everybody 's hours were getting cut from like 45 or 50 to 15 or 20 .
`` We contacted the estate agent just to let them know the situation and ask if there was anything they could do .
`` We said we do n't know what 's going to happen with our pay .
`` They 've actually given us a massive reduction , it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were very understanding - it was amazing when we got that email .
It was a huge relief .
`` Especially as they 're saying we 'll reduce your rent with the view that we do n't ask for the rest later .
The landlord just wants us to cover the mortgage for the next three months . ''
Although Hannah and her housemates are relieved about their financial situation , lockdown restrictions can be especially difficult for those living in flats with no outside space of their own to enjoy .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games and card games to try and keep ourselves entertained , '' she said .
`` It 's swings and roundabouts , some days it 's incredibly claustrophobic , some days you feel more isolated because you do n't have that thing where you can chat across your fence to neighbours .
`` We 're lucky we have a pretty big balcony so we 're making a lot of use of that , especially as the weather has been nice .
`` One of the things we found quite difficult around Castlefield , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when you go to the shops there 's not a huge amount there and the queues are bigger .
`` The big Sainsbury 's on Regent Road , they 're doing a fantastic job , but sometimes it 's a 45 minute wait in the queue to get in .
`` With the sunny weather it 's been so busy , maybe as busy as any other nice day .
`` There 's always so many people on the canal path .
You ca n't really social distance it 's so narrow .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world but it does make it difficult when you 've got that time you 're allowed out of the house . ''

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If there is one area in the region that has been turned completely on its head by the coronavirus pandemic it is Manchester city centre.
On a sunny Easter bank holiday, the shops, pubs, bars and restaurants would normally be packed.
This year it was a ghost town - everywhere from Deansgate to Oxford Road lay virtually deserted.
It's a strange sensation for Manchester - a city with a global reputation as a place to come and have a good time.
The region's tourism industry also supports around 100,000 jobs and the lockdown has left lots of different people in a position of economic stress and uncertainty.
Hospitality can be a fragile occupation at the best of times.
Although the government has rolled out its furlough scheme, the chaotic nature of the coronavirus crisis means many lost work before it kicked in, or are unsure how much money they will qualify for, or exactly when they will receive it.
(Image: STEVE ALLEN)
There are also pitfalls unique to hospitality such as gratuities and tips - seemingly not covered by the furlough scheme but worth up to 50 per cent of income.
Some of these workers were already among the lowest paid in our city.
Many share flats in the apartment blocks that have proliferated around the centre of Manchester and Salford and find themselves liable for significant rents.
The city centre population is a mixture of people from across the world, of all ages and backgrounds and there are other worries to contend with.
Some are university students who don't know what will happen with their studies, lots are from overseas and aren't eligible for Universal Credit and don't know when they will get back home to their families.
The Manchester Evening News spoke to hospitality staff to hear how they have been coping and what are the biggest challenges during life in lockdown.
'Maybe we'll be better for it when this thing's over'
(Image: Supplied)
Tariq Malik, is from Chester but now lives in Manchester city centre.
He's 31 and normally works as a waiter at a branch of the Miller and Carter steakhouse.
He is expecting to get 80 per cent of his average monthly wages through the government furlough scheme, but that doesn't include tips and gratuities and so will be more like 50pc of the money he'd usually earn.
Tariq has recently found paid work in the care sector where there is huge demand for staff in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.
"We're grateful for what we're getting, at least we're getting something," said Tariq, in reference to the furlough pay.
"But it does mean I need some extra money - I thought if I'm not working for four months I might as well get another qualification or develop my skills.
"I'm a man of many skills, I do acting as well, working in a restaurant is flexible and means I can go to auditions.
"I'm not from a care background but I was looking for jobs or something that was interesting to do - I was going to do the NHS volunteer scheme - but then I went for a care job and I actually got one.
"Because I had a degree they just asked me to do a test - normally you need a qualification like an NVQ in health and social care.
"Within a few days I had my first job.
(Image: MEN)
"If this [the coronavirus crisis] hadn't happened it would have never crossed my mind."
"Do you know what's really nice? I've only done it a few days and the girls I'm working with have already told the co-ordinator, 'yeah he's right for it'.
"It's nice to be with other people and there's a demand for care at the moment because people have gone off ill or are self-isolating.
"I never realised, you don't think about getting old do you."
(Image: Supplied)
Tariq says working with the elderly and vulnerable has given him a renewed appreciation of his own circumstances, while giving him a sense of satisfaction that he is contributing during a difficult time.
"When you see how people are not capable of doing things, it's upsetting but it's great to be able to do something," he said.
"On the morning run we went to a lady's home at 7am to assist her.
"We helped her get out of bed and then, it depends on people's mobility issues, some people can shower themselves, some you have to help them.
"The men help the men and the women help the women.
"I don't know why I didn't think I would be doing that, I thought I would be taking them shopping or something, but it depends on each client.
"I've learned about medicine, procedures, safeguarding, mental health, dementia.
"Some of the clients you can chat to, some you can't. There's some we've been singing and dancing with.
"Some of them can't go out and they're scared because they can't see family or friends.
"I think everyone knows about the NHS but carers go a bit unnoticed.
"We've all got to pull together."
Not only has the care work brought in much-needed income, but Tariq thinks it may inspire him towards a change in career direction.
"I consider myself a moral person, but I think if I'd said I would be wiping bums a few months ago my friends would have laughed," he added.
"But it's just about getting in there and helping people and maybe we'll be better for it when this thing's over.
"I bet employers will ask 'what did you do during the coronavirus crisis? I think it shows a good character.
"Some people can't, if they've got health conditions, but if you can...it's a mutual benefit.
"If you do something good for someone, they will do something for you.
"It's made me think I might want to work in a hospital eventually. I'm a social person, I like working with people.
"I think whatever happens in the future I can always fall back on this, there will be a job in care."
'I'm not eligible for Universal Credit'
(Image: Supplied)
Rosie Fay, 28, from Sydney in Australia has been living in Manchester on a working holiday visa.
She was working as a Business Development Manager at an independent bar until the pandemic hit and has now been furloughed.
"I have no idea about what this means for the expiry of the visa," Rosie said.
"My application for Universal Credit has been denied - all temporary residents are not eligible for any government financial assistance.
"We are also not eligible for any NHS help if we contract the disease.
"I live in Ancoats where we have cops patrolling the streets looking for rule breakers.
"A few people spend some time in the park exercising which is a controversial topic in our house.
"My landlord is private and forcing me to pay rent or I will be evicted.
"My furloughed pay seems to be happening ok, but I still don't have answers on how much and when it’ll come through.
"Landlord has not changed his stance on rent as two of my flatmates are still in a job.
"There's been no offer of reducing rent of payment options and he's fully aware of my situation.
"In the meantime, I’ve been helping a lot of friends in the industry with their home projects.
"As soon as the laws are lifted we will be able to get together and plan for a reopening, giving us a ton of freedom to make changes to the menu, renovations etc."
'Every aspect of my life is just a mess'
Harvey Collier, 23, is from Leeds but came to study at Manchester Metropolitan University four year ago.
He lives in a flat on the outskirts of the city centre with his boyfriend.
Both work in restaurants waiting tables - Harvey part-time, his boyfriend full-time.
"We were both working up until weeks ago even though it didn't feel very safe," said Harvey.
"We're just in limbo.
"They've put us furlough so we will get 80pc of our wages but my employer keeps saying the government haven't got back to them on how it works.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"At first they were going to calculate the hours by how many you did in February, but that was only a short month.
"So now they've said it's the average you've worked per month over the past year.
"For me that's about 20 hours a week.
"But it doesn't include tips which is massive. I would make about £100 in a weekend.
"My student load comes in installments - I get my next maintenance loan this month but it's not enough, we do need to work.
"When it all happened my parents went straight from Leeds to Liverpool to pick up my sister, she's at uni there.
(Image: MEN)
"They went that night because they didn't know if they might get stopped by police the next day.
"They've invited me and my boyfriend to stay as well but it's not ideal.
"I'm applying to do a PGCE teacher training course at the moment.
"So if I get that it starts in September and it comes with a bursary so if we can just hold on until then we'll be alright.
"My boyfriend wants us to move in with his family though - it's something we keep arguing about.
"Our rent is £775 a month - the letting agent has said we can ask about a payment plan.
"But we can't even figure out what's coming in yet because of the furlough.
"I don't know what's going on with my dissertation and my exams either... every aspect of my life is just a mess, I don't know what's going to happen!
'Some days it's incredibly claustrophobic'
(Image: Supplied)
Hannah Tadros, 29, is originally from Perth in Australia but now lives in Castlefield.
She works in a city centre hotel and has been in bars and restaurants for five years.
"Before lockdown people on salaries were working four day weeks and people on hourly contracts were doing one week on one week off," she said.
"We've been feeling it since probably late February, early March, we started getting a lot of cancellations.
"The last guest we had was a guy who'd had to work at home and his parents were driving him nuts so he booked a hotel for a week.
"I was working a couple of nights before we closed and the phone rang about once an hour, if that, it was like a ghost town, it was completely dead.
"There's lots of international staff in hospitality - we have one guy from Italy who has been wondering when he's going to get home to see family.
"When we went into lockdown it was like 'at last, we all know where we stand'. The hotel is a big building so it took three or four days to close down.
(Image: ASP)
"There are boilers that need to be turned off in a particular sequence.
"We all became the department of housekeeping, dusting and turning on taps and toilets so that the water is safe for when we open back up.
"The entire situation is strange, regardless of where you work."
Like the rest of the hotel staff, Hannah has been put on furlough pay by her employer, as have her housemates.
"I've heard mixed things from friends in hospitality - one of my housemates, their landlord said they could pay £100 a week for the next six months," she said.
"We've been really, really lucky with our landlord. We share a three bed. Everybody's hours were getting cut from like 45 or 50 to 15 or 20.
"We contacted the estate agent just to let them know the situation and ask if there was anything they could do.
"We said we don't know what's going to happen with our pay.
"They've actually given us a massive reduction, it's about £400 a month.
"They were very understanding - it was amazing when we got that email. It was a huge relief.
(Image: Getty Images)
"Especially as they're saying we'll reduce your rent with the view that we don't ask for the rest later. The landlord just wants us to cover the mortgage for the next three months."
Although Hannah and her housemates are relieved about their financial situation, lockdown restrictions can be especially difficult for those living in flats with no outside space of their own to enjoy.
"We've bought a set of board games and card games to try and keep ourselves entertained," she said.
"We've signed up to online courses.
"It's swings and roundabouts, some days it's incredibly claustrophobic, some days you feel more isolated because you don't have that thing where you can chat across your fence to neighbours.
"We're lucky we have a pretty big balcony so we're making a lot of use of that, especially as the weather has been nice.
"One of the things we found quite difficult around Castlefield, because of the density of the population when you go to the shops there's not a huge amount there and the queues are bigger.
"The big Sainsbury's on Regent Road, they're doing a fantastic job, but sometimes it's a 45 minute wait in the queue to get in.
"With the sunny weather it's been so busy, maybe as busy as any other nice day.
"There's always so many people on the canal path. You can't really social distance it's so narrow.
"It's a beautiful part of the world but it does make it difficult when you've got that time you're allowed out of the house."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-25--Corrie fans left feeling sick by vile scene with Geoff

Corrie viewers were horrified to see abuser Geoff Metcalfe leading his wife upstairs at the end of Friday 's episode .
Fans have had enough of Yasmeen being pushed around by her bullying and manipulative husband , and they were sickened to see him cosying up to her and suggesting an early night after he 's been cheating on her with escorts .
Geoff has been controlling his wife for months and was secretly delighted to witness her falling out with her best friend Cathy Matthews .
Dubbing himself 'the love doctor ' Geoff told his wife : `` Let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the perfect day . ''
`` Ugh I feel like my skin just crawled off and died behind the settee ... '' said another on Twitter .
Next week Yasmeen , feeling under the weather , heads to see Dr Susan Gaddas at the medical centre and is told that she 's tested positive for the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia .
Sneaky Geoff immediately accuses her of infidelity and is outraged when she brings him up the subject of him seeing escorts .
He hits back by saying she must have caught it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This kicks off a terrifying chain of events next week which will see Geoff order her to wear an overtly sexy dress to the Rovers .
He later viciously reveals that he bought the sexy dress for one of his many escorts and a trapped Yasmeen snatches a wine bottle , slashing his neck in dramatic scenes .
Some Corrie viewers have switched off over the uncomfortable scenes but the writers have explained why they are so necessary .
Amy Coombs , senior storyliner , said they wanted to show that with domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical .
The soap has worked with the organisations Women 's Aid and charity Independent Choices Greater Manchester on the coercive control story .
Coronation Street also joined forces with Women ’ s Aid to highlight the help available to those in danger from domestic abuse during the coronavirus lockdown .
A video featuring past and present stars of the soap has been released online aimed at those who are at risk .
One of the cast speaking in the video is Shelley King who plays Yasmeen .
With the nation being asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under COVID-19 social distancing guidelines , for many this is the least safe option as they find themselves trapped in lockdown with their abusers .
Anyone needing help , but fearing an abuser may hear them calling , can dial 999 .
Then when the call is answered press 55 and police will know they need assistance .
If you or someone you know is at risk from domestic abuse visit womensaid.org.uk

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Corrie viewers were horrified to see abuser Geoff Metcalfe leading his wife upstairs at the end of Friday's episode.
Fans have had enough of Yasmeen being pushed around by her bullying and manipulative husband, and they were sickened to see him cosying up to her and suggesting an early night after he's been cheating on her with escorts.
Geoff has been controlling his wife for months and was secretly delighted to witness her falling out with her best friend Cathy Matthews.
Dubbing himself 'the love doctor' Geoff told his wife: "Let's make it the perfect ending to the perfect day."
(Image: Coronation Street/ITV)
"I feel sick" said one viewer.
"Eww Geoff," said another.
"Ugh I feel like my skin just crawled off and died behind the settee..." said another on Twitter.
Next week Yasmeen, feeling under the weather, heads to see Dr Susan Gaddas at the medical centre and is told that she's tested positive for the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia.
Sneaky Geoff immediately accuses her of infidelity and is outraged when she brings him up the subject of him seeing escorts.
(Image: Coronation Street/ITV)
He hits back by saying she must have caught it from her ex husband Sharif Nazir.
This kicks off a terrifying chain of events next week which will see Geoff order her to wear an overtly sexy dress to the Rovers.
He later viciously reveals that he bought the sexy dress for one of his many escorts and a trapped Yasmeen snatches a wine bottle, slashing his neck in dramatic scenes.
(Image: Coronation Street/ITV)
Some Corrie viewers have switched off over the uncomfortable scenes but the writers have explained why they are so necessary.
Amy Coombs, senior storyliner, said they wanted to show that with domestic abuse doesn't have to just be physical.
The soap has worked with the organisations Women's Aid and charity Independent Choices Greater Manchester on the coercive control story.
(Image: Coronation Street/ITV)
Coronation Street also joined forces with Women’s Aid to highlight the help available to those in danger from domestic abuse during the coronavirus lockdown.
A video featuring past and present stars of the soap has been released online aimed at those who are at risk.
One of the cast speaking in the video is Shelley King who plays Yasmeen.
With the nation being asked to stay at home and stay safe under COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, for many this is the least safe option as they find themselves trapped in lockdown with their abusers.
Anyone needing help, but fearing an abuser may hear them calling, can dial 999. Then when the call is answered press 55 and police will know they need assistance.
If you or someone you know is at risk from domestic abuse visit womensaid.org.uk
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7.30pm.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-25--Molly-Mae Hague says lockdown apartment in hot weather feels like 'captivity'

Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague has been updating fans during her time in lockdown .
The 20-year-old social media influencer from Manchester has been keeping her four million followers up-to-date on her time staying indoors with boyfriend Tommy Fury .
Molly-Mae , who found love with the boxer on the ITV2 reality show Love Island last summer , shared her latest thoughts on lockdown on her Instagram stories .
In the soaring spring weather she said apartment living felt like 'absolute captivity . '
`` Lockdown days like this make apartment living feel like absolute captivity , '' she wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the window in the sunshine .
Molly-Mae expressed her surprise at observing some people walking along the streets below .
She wrote `` still so many people out ? ''
with a mind-blown emoji .
Molly-Mae has previously likened the lockdown to 'Groundhog Day ' while staying home .
`` Glass elevator to nowhere , '' she captioned a snap of herself in a lift .
The fashionista cheered herself up by sharing a photo of herself rocking an edgy black outfit with chunky platform boots .
`` Just because I missed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she wrote .
And she tried out beachy waves in her blonde hair .
`` To make me feel like I ’ m on a beach , '' she explained .
Love Island favourite Molly has revealed she and Tommy are still head over heels while isolating together amid the coronavirus pandemic .
In a question and answer session with fans she said she 's definitely planning to have children with her beau .
`` A thousand per cent , '' she replied to the question about wanting kids .
Loved-up Molly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go . '
And heaping praise on her man she said : `` He can make me laugh more than anyone else on this planet . ''

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Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague has been updating fans during her time in lockdown.
The 20-year-old social media influencer from Manchester has been keeping her four million followers up-to-date on her time staying indoors with boyfriend Tommy Fury.
Molly-Mae, who found love with the boxer on the ITV2 reality show Love Island last summer, shared her latest thoughts on lockdown on her Instagram stories.
In the soaring spring weather she said apartment living felt like 'absolute captivity.'
(Image: Molly-Mae Hague Instagram)
"Lockdown days like this make apartment living feel like absolute captivity," she wrote with a video clip showing her view from the window in the sunshine.
Molly-Mae expressed her surprise at observing some people walking along the streets below.
She wrote "still so many people out?" with a mind-blown emoji.
Molly-Mae has previously likened the lockdown to 'Groundhog Day' while staying home.
"Glass elevator to nowhere," she captioned a snap of herself in a lift.
The fashionista cheered herself up by sharing a photo of herself rocking an edgy black outfit with chunky platform boots.
"Just because I missed my favourite shoes so very much," she wrote.
And she tried out beachy waves in her blonde hair.
"To make me feel like I’m on a beach," she explained.
Love Island favourite Molly has revealed she and Tommy are still head over heels while isolating together amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In a question and answer session with fans she said she's definitely planning to have children with her beau.
"A thousand per cent," she replied to the question about wanting kids.
Loved-up Molly says she already has baby names 'ready to go.'
And heaping praise on her man she said: "He can make me laugh more than anyone else on this planet."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-25--Raheem Sterling reveals which two players' shirts he wants in his trophy room

Raheem Sterling is craving one football shirt in particular for the trophy room he plans to build at the end of his career .
Manchester City forward Sterling has matured to become one of the best players in the world under the guidance of Pep Guardiola and has been an integral part of a team that has won two Premier League titles and dominated English football , as well as featuring in the England team that reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals .
The 25-year-old is keen not to have reminders of his career to date all over his house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and professional life .
However , he has been keeping hold of opposition shirts picked up from matches for when he does have a room to mark his footballing achievements .
There will be at least one Barcelona shirt on display , but Sterling is hoping to land another .
“ I am a shirt collector , but I have not put any shirts on my wall as of yet .
I don ’ t like people coming to my house and knowing I am a football player , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ family orientated , but when I finish football and settle somewhere , I will have many shirts to choose from and pick my favourites that I have played against and do a room of trophies and football shirts .
`` I think there is only one that I really want to be honest with you and that is a [ Lionel ] Messi shirt .
We played Barcelona and I got a Neymar shirt , and I think that is the first shirt I ever asked for so that ’ s still in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jamaica , that ’ s for sure .
”

Raheem Sterling is craving one football shirt in particular for the trophy room he plans to build at the end of his career.
Manchester City forward Sterling has matured to become one of the best players in the world under the guidance of Pep Guardiola and has been an integral part of a team that has won two Premier League titles and dominated English football, as well as featuring in the England team that reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.
The 25-year-old is keen not to have reminders of his career to date all over his house in an effort to separate his personal and professional life.
However, he has been keeping hold of opposition shirts picked up from matches for when he does have a room to mark his footballing achievements. There will be at least one Barcelona shirt on display, but Sterling is hoping to land another.
“I am a shirt collector, but I have not put any shirts on my wall as of yet. I don’t like people coming to my house and knowing I am a football player," he said.
"I like to keep my house family orientated, but when I finish football and settle somewhere, I will have many shirts to choose from and pick my favourites that I have played against and do a room of trophies and football shirts.
"I think there is only one that I really want to be honest with you and that is a [Lionel] Messi shirt. We played Barcelona and I got a Neymar shirt, and I think that is the first shirt I ever asked for so that’s still in my cupboard for when I go to Jamaica, that’s for sure.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-25--Man charged after reports of gunshots at Clive Pinnock's funeral in Gorton

A man has been charged after reports that gunshots were heard at the funeral of a well-known Mancunian .
Mohammed Haseeb Umar is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates ' Court on Monday ( April 27 ) charged with possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence .
The charge relates to an incident following the funeral of Clive Pinnock , dubbed 'Mr Ibiza ' , which took place at Gorton Cemetery on Thursday .
Mr Pinnock , 38 , died after a collision between a green Kawasaki motorbike he was riding and a BMW on Hyde @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were called to the cemetery at 7pm on Thursday ( April 23 ) following reports that gunshots were heard following 'several gatherings ' .
In a statement , GMP said : `` A man has been charged after police were called to reports of gunshot sounds in Gorton .
`` Mohammed Haseeb Umar , 23 of Broadlea Road , Burnage has been charged with possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence .
`` He has been remanded in custody to appear before Manchester & Salford Magistrates ’ Court on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before 7pm on Thursday 23 April 2020 , police were called to reports of gunshot sounds following several gatherings in relation to a funeral service that had taken place at the cemetery earlier that afternoon . ''
Detectives are continuing to appeal for information following the incident .
They are asking witnesses to come forward with further details about what happened .
A spokesman for GMP said : `` We would urge anyone with any information , images or footage that could assist their investigation to visit https : //mipp.police.uk where information can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the incident can also contact police on 0161 856 1146 or 101 , quoting incident number 2455 of 23/04/20 .
Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .

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A man has been charged after reports that gunshots were heard at the funeral of a well-known Mancunian.
Mohammed Haseeb Umar is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Monday (April 27) charged with possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
The charge relates to an incident following the funeral of Clive Pinnock, dubbed 'Mr Ibiza', which took place at Gorton Cemetery on Thursday.
Mr Pinnock, 38, died after a collision between a green Kawasaki motorbike he was riding and a BMW on Hyde Road on Wednesday April 8.
Police were called to the cemetery at 7pm on Thursday (April 23) following reports that gunshots were heard following 'several gatherings'.
In a statement, GMP said: "A man has been charged after police were called to reports of gunshot sounds in Gorton.
"Mohammed Haseeb Umar, 23 of Broadlea Road, Burnage has been charged with possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
"He has been remanded in custody to appear before Manchester & Salford Magistrates’ Court on Monday, April 27.
"Shortly before 7pm on Thursday 23 April 2020, police were called to reports of gunshot sounds following several gatherings in relation to a funeral service that had taken place at the cemetery earlier that afternoon."
Detectives are continuing to appeal for information following the incident.
They are asking witnesses to come forward with further details about what happened.
(Image: Facebook/Instagram)
A spokesman for GMP said: "We would urge anyone with any information, images or footage that could assist their investigation to visit https://mipp.police.uk where information can be uploaded."
Anyone with information about the incident can also contact police on 0161 856 1146 or 101, quoting incident number 2455 of 23/04/20. Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-25--Horror on Britain's Got Talent as deadly fireball stunt went wrong

Magician and scientist Kevin Quantum caused the audience to gasp in horror on Britain 's Got Talent with his fireball pendulum act .
The magic man left the judges and hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly worried that something had gone wrong as he prepared to walk through a tunnel of swinging fireballs - and it turned out they were right .
Kevin put a bag over his head to walk through the tunnel and could n't see when the pendulum had started .
Because it appeared that the flaming fireballs were swinging at random after being set alight , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kevin could walk through without being hit .
`` That 's not right is it ? ''
asked Dec watching from the side of the stage .
And Ant repeated : `` That 's not right is it ?
Is that right ? ''
The camera once again panned to Ant asking `` is that right ? ''
before turning to a production medic on standby .
`` He 's crazy , '' said the ITV talent show boss and judge Simon Cowell .
And as the audience gasped co-judge Alesha Dixon asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? ''
In incredible scenes Kevin walked slowly through the fireballs .
And thankfully he emerged from the tunnel unscathed .
Looking shaken he admitted to the judges that the stunt did n't work out as planned .
`` The things went off at the wrong time , '' he explained to the amazed panel after receiving a standing ovation .
`` Respect for what you just did , '' said Simon .
`` You 're kind of like a sexy Dr Who , '' said David Walliams .
`` It 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Kevin before his audition about the act , which he described as a 'deadly ' larger version of a desk pendulum .
And his unforgettable audition has sent him through to the next round .

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Magician and scientist Kevin Quantum caused the audience to gasp in horror on Britain's Got Talent with his fireball pendulum act.
The magic man left the judges and hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly worried that something had gone wrong as he prepared to walk through a tunnel of swinging fireballs - and it turned out they were right.
Kevin put a bag over his head to walk through the tunnel and couldn't see when the pendulum had started.
Because it appeared that the flaming fireballs were swinging at random after being set alight, Ant and Dec questioned how a blindfolded Kevin could walk through without being hit.
(Image: ITV)
"That's not right is it?" asked Dec watching from the side of the stage.
And Ant repeated: "That's not right is it? Is that right?"
The camera once again panned to Ant asking "is that right?" before turning to a production medic on standby.
"He's crazy," said the ITV talent show boss and judge Simon Cowell.
(Image: ITV/BGT)
And as the audience gasped co-judge Alesha Dixon asked: "Is he going to run?"
In incredible scenes Kevin walked slowly through the fireballs.
And thankfully he emerged from the tunnel unscathed.
Looking shaken he admitted to the judges that the stunt didn't work out as planned.
"The things went off at the wrong time," he explained to the amazed panel after receiving a standing ovation.
"Respect for what you just did," said Simon.
"You're kind of like a sexy Dr Who," said David Walliams.
"It's not safe, it's maybe not smart," said Kevin before his audition about the act, which he described as a 'deadly' larger version of a desk pendulum.
And his unforgettable audition has sent him through to the next round.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-25--Madrid stance on Haaland hands boost to Man Utd and more rumours

Real Madrid have dropped their interest in Erling Braut Haaland , opening the door for Manchester United , according to reports .
Haaland announced himself on the world stage this season with a freakishly impressive scoring-rate and brilliant displays in the Champions League for Red Bull Salzburg , which earned him a move to Borussia Dortmund in January .
The teenage sensation has continued his blistering form in Germany and had netted 12 goals in 11 games before the suspension of football throughout Europe due to COVID-19 .
Haaland 's remarkable form since making the step-up to the Bundesliga has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on from Dortmund this summer , just a few months after arriving at Signal Iduna Park .
Real Madrid were one of the teams said to be interested but , according to Mundo Deportivo , via the Daily Mail , Madrid will take their interest no further because of the fees that would have to be paid to his agent , Mino Raiola , and his father , Alf-Inge Haaland .
United have also been heavily linked with making a second attempt to sign the 19-year-old and Madrid exiting the race would boost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Solskjaer was interested in reuniting with the striker he worked with at Molde in January but the club opted against making the signing after they refused to agree to a buyout clause and percentage of future sales with Raiola .
Meanwhile , Reports in France suggest Thomas Meunier has spoken to Jose Mourinho over a summer transfer amid links to United .
L'Equipe suggest United have made contact with the PSG star over a free transfer to Old Trafford but Spurs are in pole position to secure his signature .
MEN Sport understands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United 's list of priorities this summer following the arrival and subsequent success of Aaron Wan-Bissaka .

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Real Madrid have dropped their interest in Erling Braut Haaland, opening the door for Manchester United, according to reports.
Haaland announced himself on the world stage this season with a freakishly impressive scoring-rate and brilliant displays in the Champions League for Red Bull Salzburg, which earned him a move to Borussia Dortmund in January.
The teenage sensation has continued his blistering form in Germany and had netted 12 goals in 11 games before the suspension of football throughout Europe due to COVID-19.
Haaland's remarkable form since making the step-up to the Bundesliga has led to speculation that he could move on from Dortmund this summer, just a few months after arriving at Signal Iduna Park.
Real Madrid were one of the teams said to be interested but, according to Mundo Deportivo, via the Daily Mail, Madrid will take their interest no further because of the fees that would have to be paid to his agent, Mino Raiola, and his father, Alf-Inge Haaland.
United have also been heavily linked with making a second attempt to sign the 19-year-old and Madrid exiting the race would boost their chances.
However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was interested in reuniting with the striker he worked with at Molde in January but the club opted against making the signing after they refused to agree to a buyout clause and percentage of future sales with Raiola.
Meanwhile, Reports in France suggest Thomas Meunier has spoken to Jose Mourinho over a summer transfer amid links to United.
L'Equipe suggest United have made contact with the PSG star over a free transfer to Old Trafford but Spurs are in pole position to secure his signature.
MEN Sport understands that a new right-back isn't on United's list of priorities this summer following the arrival and subsequent success of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.