December is here, and it promises to be a gruelling month of fixtures that will really test the determination and depth of the squad across the Premier League, Carabao Cup and Champions League.
Besides big games against the likes of Manchester United, Fulham and Bayer Leverkusen, there’s also the small matter of the Tyne-Wear derby on the 14th: the first league derby since the 2015/16 season.
And there will be nothing sweeter than for Eddie Howe and the lads to secure a statement win against one of the (annoyingly) in-form sides in the league this campaign.
But it will no doubt be a very tough task ahead of us at the Stadium of Light; one certainly not helped by some leniency to rules and regulations for a number of Premier League teams including Sunderland…
Sunderland handed major AFCON boost
Sunderland are set to have all SEVEN of their African players available for the Tyne-Wear derby in just under a fortnight’s time.
The match on Sunday 14th December is the last game before each player jets off to play in this year’s African Cup of Nations, and Sky Sports’ Keith Downie reports that Sunderland have managed to ensure all seven will be available.
Initially, clubs had been expected to release their players roughly two weeks before the tournament kicked off, which would have ruled out the likes of Mozambique’s Reinildo, DR Congo’s Noah Sadiki and Burkina Faso’s Bertrand Traore for the derby.
But now, Premier League clubs are being allowed to hold onto their players for an extra week before releasing them for international duty on the 15th of December.
This means the following seven players will be available, if fit, for the Mackems:
- Burkina Faso: Bertrand Traoré (RW)
- DR Congo: Noah Sadiki (CM), Arthur Masuaku (LB)
- Ivory Coast: Simon Adingra (LW)
- Morocco: Chemsdine Talbi (RW)
- Mozambique: Reinildo (LWB)
- Senegal: Habib Diarra (CM)
Thankfully, AFCON is a non-issue for us, after it was confirmed on Monday that Yoane Wissa, the only African international in our squad, would not be travelling to Morocco for the tournament.
The Mail’s Craig Hope has previously hinted that, as Wissa’s return to fitness continues behind-the-scenes, that he could be fit just in time to play in the derby, which would be a very welcome boost.
Newcastle stars to miss derby?
Unfortunately, where Sunderland and Regis Le Bris can rely on having those seven African talents at their disposal, Howe may be without at least one senior player a week on Sunday.
Kieran Trippier is a big miss: even if he wouldn’t be the most likely starter with how good Tino Livramento has been since his own return from injury, the vice-captain’s leadership, mentality and big game experience would have been huge.
With the 35-year-old ruled out for a month just last week, it looks highly likely that the right-back will miss out, increasing our need to keep Tino and Lewis Hall fit over the next two weeks.
Sven Botman and Will Osula are difficult to call at the moment: the big Dutch defender is pencilled in to see a specialist over a back concern, meanwhile Osula has been dealing with an ankle issue with no prognosis on a projected return.
Thankfully however, we still have one of the strongest XIs in the club’s history fit and ready for whatever the derby will throw at it. Whilst the game on the 14th will no doubt be harder than the 3-0 FA Cup win from just under two years ago, having players such as Bruno Guimaraes, Nick Woltemade and Malick Thiaw should give us more than enough confidence to return to St James’ Park with all three points.
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Highest Paying Jobs in the UK 2026 (No Degree Required) – Full Hiring Guide
The UK job market in 2026 is creating strong opportunities for workers without university degrees. Due to labor shortages, rising wages, and demand across key industries, many roles now offer competitive salaries, stable contracts, and visa sponsorship options for qualified workers.
This guide focuses on real, in-demand UK jobs that pay well, require little or no formal education, and are suitable for both UK residents and international applicants.
1. HGV (Truck) Driver Jobs in the UK
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers remain among the highest-paid non-degree workers in the UK. Supermarkets, logistics firms, construction companies, and fuel suppliers continue to face driver shortages, pushing wages higher each year.
Salary Range
- £38,000 – £65,000 per year
- Overtime and night shifts can exceed £70,000
Requirements
- UK HGV Class 1 or Class 2 licence
- Driver CPC qualification
- No university degree required
Why This Job Pays Well
Long hours, responsibility, and supply chain importance make HGV driving one of the best-paid manual professions in the UK. Employers often cover training costs.
2. Construction Site Supervisor (Experience-Based)
Construction supervisors oversee daily site operations, safety compliance, and workforce coordination. Many professionals rise into this role through experience rather than formal education.
Salary Range
- £40,000 – £60,000 per year
Requirements
- Construction site experience
- CSCS or SSSTS certification
- No degree required
Construction jobs attract high advertising bids due to insurance, equipment, training, and recruitment demand.
3. Security Control Room Operator
Unlike basic security guard roles, control room operators monitor CCTV systems, coordinate emergency responses, and manage access control for large facilities, airports, and business centers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £50,000 per year
Requirements
- SIA licence
- Basic IT and communication skills
- No academic degree required
4. Warehouse Operations Manager (Promotion-Based)
Many warehouse managers start as pickers or supervisors and move up through performance. E-commerce growth has pushed logistics salaries significantly higher.
Salary Range
- £42,000 – £58,000 per year
Industries Hiring
- Amazon fulfilment centres
- Supermarket distribution hubs
- Import and export warehouses
5. Care Home Manager (NVQ Route)
Care home managers oversee elderly and assisted living facilities. This role follows vocational certification routes rather than university education.
Salary Range
- £45,000 – £65,000 per year
Why It Pays Well
An aging population and staff shortages have pushed salaries higher, especially in private care homes.
6. Roofing & Specialist Trades
Roofers, scaffolders, and specialist trade workers earn premium wages due to physical demand and skill shortages.
Salary Range
- £180 – £300 per day
- Annual income up to £70,000
7. Taxi & Private Hire Drivers (High-Demand Cities)
London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds offer strong earning potential for licensed private hire drivers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £55,000 per year
Visa Sponsorship for UK Jobs
Some UK employers offer sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. While not all jobs qualify, roles in logistics, healthcare support, construction, and technical operations may be eligible depending on employer approval.
How to Apply for High-Paying UK Jobs
- Apply directly on company career websites
- Register with UK recruitment agencies
- Obtain necessary licences before applying
- Prepare a UK-style CV
In 2026, high-paying jobs in the UK are no longer limited to university graduates. With the right skills, certifications, and experience, workers can secure stable, well-paid roles across logistics, construction, healthcare support, and security sectors.
For job seekers aiming to work in the UK or improve their income, focusing on short-term training and high-demand industries remains the smartest path.
