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.
A bookshop in Leeds is inviting its customers to vandalise Harry Potter books for charity.
Well, this is definitely one we haven't seen before.
The Bookish Type on Great George Street in Leeds is a fabulous independently-owned queer bookshop that prides itself on being a safe space for all.
They're raising money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to vandalise Harry Potter novels for just 25p per go.
A bargain if you ask us, and all for a good cause. And don't worry, all the books are second hand and have been donated.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're not understanding the immediate connection between the two, then allow us to fill you in.
J.K. Rowling, the author of the famous Harry Potter novels, has over recent years expressed transphobic comments and anti-trans political beliefs on social media.
Yesterday, Wednesday 25 March, the trailer for the new HBO Max Harry Potter series was released which has encouraged many people to speak out against Rowling and claim she should no longer be supported.
So, The Bookish Type are showing support for the trans community and asking those who feel frustrated to have a doodle and whilst they're at it, donate to a good cause.
If you're not able to make it into the shop, The Bookish Type have said "You will soon be able to donate online and we will personally deface a page with your message/doodle/scribble."
We're absolutely obsessed.
Find out more about The Bookish Type and if you can, pop in for a browse and a doodle whilst you're at it.
Featured image - The Bookish Type Leeds (Supplied)
News
Leeds to be transformed into a giant board game as Trivial Pursuit takes over the city
Clementine Hall
Leeds is set to become a giant board game this summer as Trivial Pursiot arrives in the city centre to celebrate a landmark moment in its history.
To mark 400 years since Leeds was granted its royal charter, LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) is transforming the city into a live interactive version of Hasbro’s iconic Trivial Pursuit board game, inviting residents and visitors to test their knowledge of all things Leeds.
It follows the huge success of the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover back in summer 2024 and this year, LeedsBID is once again working with leading game, IP and toy company Hasbro to bring another of its iconic games to life.
This time, the focus is on the stories, achievements and surprising facts that have shaped Leeds over four centuries.
Running from 25 July to 30 August 2026, the free experience will see participants journey across the city centre answering questions and collecting wedges, just like the classic trivia game.
Key locations will represent the six traditional Trivial Pursuit categories: Entertainment, Geography, Sports & Leisure, Science and Nature, History, and Art & Literature.
Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro said: “After the incredible response to the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover in 2024, we’re proud to collaborate with LeedsBID once again to reimagine another iconic brand in a bold new way.
"This is exactly how we think about Global Experiences at Hasbro - taking our brands beyond the table and creating experiences that are social, shareable and deeply connected to the communities they celebrate."
Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID, said: “TRIVIAL PURSUIT Leeds is about celebrating everything about this great city, from those headline facts and figures people know to the lesser-known surprising details and discoveries.
“LeedsBID’s raison d’etre is to put Leeds on the map and tell the stories and successes of the city. Trivial Pursuit Leeds is doing just that, providing a free, fun and entertaining activity for all ages while sharing new and interesting achievements of this amazing place.”
Georgina Pellant -
27th August 2021 
