As the country faces news story after news story about food shortages causing havoc in restaurants and pubs across the UK, local people are becoming increasingly aware of the knock-on effects of Brexit - which has led to a huge shortfall in HGV drivers.
Of course, Brexit isn't the only thing to blame (although it is worth noting that new rules from the European Union and a reluctance by government officials to allow temporary emergency work visas are definitely contributing to the problem).
The covid pandemic isn't helping things, either. Between the number of people falling ill and the 'pingdemic' being caused by the test and trace app, it seems that everyone in the country is short-staffed right now.
It's not all bad news, though. Yes, there is a definite shortage of HGV drivers - but with every cloud comes a silver lining. Here in Leeds, there might not be any milkshakes in McDonald's but there are some really well-paid HGV driver jobs going right now.
If you're unemployed, or maybe just fed up with your current job and tempted by the idea of earning as much as £50,000 a year for driving, one of these could be for you.
We've picked out some of the better-looking adverts below - but you can find more listed over on Indeed here.
HGV Low Loader/Relief Tipper Driver
Location: Leeds
Salary: £40,000 - £50,,000 a year
Employer: DCS Environmental Ltd
More information: Due to expansion, DCS Environmental Ltd are looking for a HGV Class 1 (C+E) Heavy Haulage Low Loader Driver driver. (STGO Cat 2, up to 80 tonnes). Find out more.
HGV Class 1 Driver Days
Location: Bradford
Salary: £29,273 - £42,284 a year
Employer: Expect Distribution Ltd
More information: We have Class 1 available across various shift patterns for both standard runs and cover runs as well as our Boost account. Find out more.
Recovery Driver
Location: Leeds
Salary: £32,000 a year
Employer: The AA
More information: Making up for the breakdown, you’ll be the friendly face of the UK’s largest motoring organisation. To our members, you’ll be a superhero. Find out more.
HGV Driver
Location: Dewsbury
Salary: £23,698 - £47,264 a year
Employer: Veola
More information: Making up for the breakdown, you’ll be the friendly face of the UK’s largest motoring organisation. To our members, you’ll be a superhero. Find out more.
Abnormal Load Escort Driver
Location: Leeds
Salary: 5,000 - £30,000 a year
Employer: DCS Environmental Ltd
More information: Due to increased business levels and expansion DCS is looking for someone who has experience escorting abnormal loads on UK roads. Find out more.
To discover more well paid HGV driver listings, click here.
She's big, she's green and she's ready to ruin your figure.
A lot of you will have seen the viral ‘Bertha’ cake by Leeds born beloved sweet treat specialists Get Baked.
They recently opened another site in Manchester's Northern Quarter, where queues literally formed round the block of hungry punters wanting to get their hands on the infamous sugary treats.
And now it's going to happen all over again, as they've recently unveiled their newest flavour which is sure to go down a storm.
We’ll give you a hint: it’s a current food and drink trend that’s about as big as Bertha herself – it’s not matcha, it’s not hot honey (duh), and it’s not Guinness…
Images: Get Baked
Yes—scratch that; HELL YES!Get Baked is set to welcome Bertha’s equally beautiful twin sister, and she’s officially a pistachio girlie.
Having started out life simply as ‘Bruce’, after taking inspiration from the iconic scene from Matilda, this thing has become a phenomenon in its own right, and who doesn’t like more flavours of a good thing?
Probably one of the biggest foodie crazes going at the minute, thanks to the popularity of pistachio cream, cookies, lattes and the similar social media sensation that is the ‘Dubai Pistachio Bar' people are rather fittingly going nuts for this particular flavour of almost absolutely anything.
With that in mind, the Leeds-born bakery and dessert shop – founded by Rich Myers over in Headingley back in 2011 – have shown no hesitation in hopping on the bandwagon and creating a new twist on their own viral menu item.
Teasing the full details in a post on their Instagram this week, they wrote: “What’s big, green, and is going to destroy your life in a couple of weeks’ time? Pistachio Bertha. Strictly limited to 5,000 slices. Coming oh so soon. GB.”
In case you were wondering just how mad those with a sweet tooth could possibly go for a slice of cake, just look at the recent queues when they finally launched in Manchester city centre:
Speaking on the grand opening here on our turf and his partner Amy’s hometown, Myers said simply: “Manchester, what a launch. Thanks for much for the warm welcome. Stay baked.”
Leeds Tattoo Expo to return to the First Direct Arena for 10th anniversary
Clementine Hall
The tenth annual Leeds Tattoo Expo will showcase some of the best in tattooing both local and internationally.
If you fancy getting yourself a fancy new bit of ink, then look no further than the iconic Leeds Tattoo Expo that will be returning to the First Direct Arena this June.
Taking place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June 2025, over 200 tattooists and 70 traders will be flocking to the city to show off their skills.
And not only that, but there’ll also be a whole host of market traders for you to browse as well as live music to have a boogie to.
The artists will be tattooing with options for both pre-booked appointments and walk ups available throughout the weekend.
Image: Leeds Tattoo Expo
There will also be a piercer, tooth gems and a henna artist ready to adorn your body.
Alongside getting tattooed, there’s plenty to do and to see over the whole weekend; there'll be an alternative drawing class, an illustrators market with kids’ workshops provided by Art Gecko, an art fusion event on the main stage, burlesque performances and competitions, a small vintage clothing pop-up, fire breathing and break dancing demonstrations in the square outside the arena.
The annual tattoo competitions will also be taking place each evening, where tattooists showcase their work to a panel of judges, sponsored by Killer Ink!
To celebrate Leeds Tattoo Expo's tenth anniversary, they'll be hosting a Pre-Party at Belgrave Music Hall on Thursday 5 June which is a completely free entry event complete with live music and free pizza.
You can find out more about the event and book your tickets here via the First Direct Arena's website.
Georgina Pellant -
27th August 2021 
