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.
The world's biggest podcast festival, Crossed Wires, continues its magnificent rise in just its third year.
It's safe to say that the festival has had its landmark year, with this year's independent economic assessment confirming the 2026 festival generated £6.65 million in total economic impact.
After doubling footfall to a whopping 50,000 attendees in 2026, the festival has further cemented its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing cultural festivals.
Alongside its strong local community roots, it may come as a surprise that just over half (52%) of festivalgoers travelled from outside of South Yorkshire, with 40% outside the UK North and Midlands.
Image: Supplied
It's amazing news for the festival which launched just three years ago and has rapidly evolved from an ambitious start-up festival into a nationally significant event.
South Yorkshire's Mayor, Oliver Coppard said: "When we backed Crossed Wires in its early days, we knew South Yorkshire had the talent, creativity and ambition to make something truly special. What's happened since has been incredible.
"Tens of thousands of people have come to our region, filling venues, supporting local businesses and bringing millions of pounds into our economy. That's good news for Sheffield and for our communities right across South Yorkshire."
Images: Supplied
Co-Founder Dino Sofos, said: “We’re delighted to see Crossed Wires become one of South Yorkshire’s biggest cultural events in just three years. There’s a real buzz around the festival, and reaching 50,000 attendees while generating over £6million for the local economy this year shows the scale of what we’ve created - and its potential to grow even further."
We can't wait to see the future of Crossed Wires festival, and we're already looking forward to the next instalment taking place from 1 - 4 July 2027. We'll see you there.
Cult burger brand Burgerism opens takeaway outside of Manchester in a Leeds suburb
Clementine Hall
The North West’s most ordered burger has landed in Leeds, and it’s easy to see why it’s loved by so many.
If you don't know about Burgerism, then get to know.
The iconic burger brand, which started life as a dark kitchen off an industrial estate in Salford, is now almost ready to welcome fans into its first Leeds location.
Set to open tomorrow – Wednesday 23 September – Burgerism will be serving up their signature smash burgers from a new site over in Meanwood.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The site sits right next to The Meadwood Tavern on Meanwood Road, the perfect location for if you're out and about and looking for a bit of grub after a few pints.
The interior is sporting the bright Burgerism orange, and although it is mainly a takeaway restaurant there are a few seats for sit-in.
You’ll be able to order your food at the counter, via self-service kiosks, or through click-and-collect on the Burgerism website.
Images: The Hoot leeds
Highlights on the menu will, as always, include the fan-favourite Cheesed (two smashed patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion and the brand’s signature sauce, served in a seeded brioche bun), as well as a range of chicken burgers, fries, and wings.
Everything is made fresh to order, and even their sauces and dips are made entirely in-house.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And the good stuff doesn't stop there, as to celebrate the grand opening they'll be giving away the first 100 customers from 5pm a 'Comeback Card' where you'll eat on them during your next visit. So get there early if you don't want to miss out
The Meanwood site will be the sixth Burgerism site following its five openings elsewhere in Greater Manchester.
Georgina Pellant -
27th August 2021 
