About this issue: Overview
The gig economy has arrived. Über has revolutionised travel and Deliveroo allows us to receive takeaways in moments, all from our smartphones. But what is the cost of this new technology-fuelled convenience? Gary Ryan takes a look at the dark side of working for Über and Deliveroo, where flexibility is a byword for insecurity and self-employment isn’t all it seems.
Neil Tague picks out the hottest upcoming sports talent, predicting which young sportsmen and women from the north may have a breakthrough year in 2017.
Salford’s Ordsall Chord is nearing completion and promises to bring big changes to Manchester and the north. Robert Jenkins takes a look at its centerpiece, the UK’s first network arch bridge, which sits next to the world’s first passenger railway.
Is physical impairment the result of karma or divine intervention? We take a look at disabled artist Claire Cunningham’s exploration of disability and religion in her innovative stage performance Guide Gods, part of Sick! Festival. Elsewhere in the arts and entertainment section we have music, TV and movie reviews.
In the news pages, read about plans for a proposed tax on the rental value of land, which supporters believe could be a fairer way of levying tax than on income or enterprise, and how Manchester’s Cornerstone Day Centre helped a rough sleeper to find employment.
Elsewhere, Luther actor Darren Boyd writes a letter to his younger self and we have our regular Big Issue North vendor interview with Smurf, from Sheffield.
Please note: this week’s Big Issue North has a second cover advertising Fair Trade Week. Don’t worry, your usual Big Issue North magazine can be found inside.