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.
Deliveroo and Coco Robotics are set to bring robot deliveries to Leeds through a new strategic partnership.
Next time you order a takeaway...let's just say, it could look a little different.
In the new exclusive partnership, Deliveroo and Coco Robotics are launching in multiple locations, beginning with Canary Wharf in London this October, before launching here in Leeds as well as Milton Keynes, Stockton on Tees and Nottingham in the coming weeks and months.
The rollout marks Coco Robotic's entry into the UK, extending the company’s broader expansion across Europe.
While the majority of orders will continue to be fulfilled by Deliveroo’s rider network, Coco’s fully electric robots are suited to short-distances and navigating urban environments, offering additional flexibility to local businesses on Deliveroo’s platform.
The robots operate at walking place, meaning they're able to move safely through busy streets whilst carrying orders directly to customers.
Image: Supplied
Miki Kuusi, CEO at Deliveroo and Head of DoorDash International: “London is where Deliveroo was born, so it feels fitting that we’re launching our first UK autonomous delivery service with Coco Robotics here before expanding our exclusive partnership to more towns and cities nationwide, building on our partnership in other geographies.
“We see huge potential in autonomous delivery and we are looking forward to working with Coco to bring more flexibility to our delivery network, helping local restaurants and shops meet increasing consumer demand. We firmly believe that robot and drone technology should benefit High Street businesses of all sizes, helping them remain competitive and meet consumers in new ways.”
Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning, said: "Our council is determined to embrace the opportunities offered by emerging technology. This approach has already helped establish Leeds as a location for hosting and advising on robot delivery trials.
“Supporting innovation means attracting investment. That's why we are now pleased to be working with Coco Robotics regarding the city’s future involvement in the UK rollout of their partnership with Deliveroo.
“We look forward to exploring the benefits that the rollout can bring to Leeds and its residents.”
Tesco unveils Christmas Meal Deal menu for 2026 and confirms official launch date
Emily Sergeant
Tesco has officially unveiled its Christmas Meal Deal menu for 2026, and has revealed when it’ll be arriving in stores.
Spooky season may not have even arrived yet, but it won’t be long before the most wonderful time of the year is here and most of the UK’s major supermarkets have already started stocking their shelves with Christmas food, drink, and gifts galore.
Tesco has now unveiled all the sandwiches and snacks forming part of its iconic lunchtime meal deal selection.
10 new seasonal mains and sides have been launched this year, as well as some classics and returning fan favourites too.
Images: Tesco
The retailer says its food on-the-go experts have worked hard to bring a variety of festive flavours and great-quality ingredients together this year, with something on offer to cater to all tastes and preferences.
Available in stores and online from next week, with Tesco Clubcard members paying just £3.80 or £5.50 to upgrade to a Premium Meal Deal, some of the all-new main options you can choose from in 2026’s festive lineup include the Fully Loaded Chicken, Stuffing, Braised Red Cabbage & Cranberry Sauce Sandwich, the Christmas Triple Sandwich, and the Pork Meatball Wrap with smoky sage and onion mayonnaise.
Other returning favourites include the Brie and Cranberry Sandwich, the Currywurst Sausage Sub, and the absolute classic Turkey & Trimmings Sandwich.
For veggies and vegans, there’s a new Tesco Plant Chef Christmas Veg Fest Wrap, and for those who follow a gluten free diet, you can grab the Gluten Free Festive Chicken & Trimmings sandwich.
When it comes to snacks to accompany those mains, the festive Mini Pork Pies and Pig in Blanket Sausage Rolls are returning to the lineup this year, alongside some new additions like the Pretzels with Salted Caramel Soft Cheese Dip, and Mini Cheese Twists.
The 2026 Tesco Christmas Meal Deal range will be in stores across the UK from Monday 12 October, and there’s thousands of combinations to try.
Georgina Pellant -
27th August 2021 
