Coronavirus

Jun- 2021 -

18 June

Hospitality companies threaten legal action over reopening delays

Over 45 businesses in the hospitality, tourism, wedding and event industries are threatening legal action against the UK government over the potential delay of the economy’s 19 July reopening. An open letter, led by Manchester’s night-time economy adviser for Greater Manchester Sacha Lord, is calling for industry support from the…

17 June

Beer sales during Wales match 60,000 pints lower due to table service

Beer sales during the Wales v Turkey match on 16 June were 60,000 pints lower than if the game had been shown without restrictions, analysis by the Welsh Beer and Pub Association has found. The trade association said ongoing restrictions are “negatively impacting” the experience of watching UEFA EURO 2020…

17 June

Rent extension will ‘banish grim shadow’ over sector, says UKH

Kate Nicholls, head of UKHospitality, has welcomed the government’s nine month extension of the rent moratorium – stating that the move will “banish a grim shadow” that has hung “menacingly” over hospitality since the pandemic began 15 months ago. The decision, which was announced yesterday by Stephen Barclay MP, the…

15 June

Sunak to reject furlough extension calls despite ‘freedom day’ delay

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reportedly set to reject calls for an extension of the furlough scheme and business rates report to businesses despite the prime minister announcing a four-week delay to the lifting of restrictions. According to the Guardian, sources close to the chancellor have said that he believes sufficient…

15 June

Lockdown delay will cost hospitality sector £3bn, warns UKH

The four week delay to the final stage of easing lockdown restrictions in England will cost the hospitality sector “around £3bn in sales”, according to Kate Nicholls, UKHospitality chief executive. According to Nicholls, the extension, which will see the remaining social distancing measures continue beyond 21 June, puts 300,000 hospitality…

14 June

No ‘justification’ for Covid passports, says gov committee

There is no “justification” for Covid-19 passports, according to a new report by the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC). The cross-party group of MPs published its report into the use and impact of Covid-status certification on individuals and businesses. They found the government has failed to adequately make…

4 June

Leisure sector rent collection on the rise, says Colliers

The leisure sector has seen rent payments increase “significantly” in the two months since March quarter day, with levels rising from 18% to 37%, according to the latest figures from Colliers. The restaurant sector welcomed a “record” +2 month rent collection since June 2020, exceeding the rent levels collected during…

3 June

UKH and DWP launch initiative to promote sector opportunities

UKHospitality (UKH) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have partnered to promote jobs in hospitality. The partnership will see UKH running sessions in partnership with Jobcentre Plus work coaches in every region of England, as well as across Scotland and Wales this month. With hospitality reopening following 15…

2 June

Hospitality must prepare for new business rates payments, UKH warns

UKHospitality is urging businesses within the sector in England to fully prepare for the new business rates payments from 1 July, with new bills expected to land in the coming weeks. The business rates holiday, which was granted following “intensive” lobbying by UKHospitality, is set to come to an end…

May- 2021 -

25 May

Hospitality sector ‘facing jobs crisis’ despite rise in vacancies

The hospitality sector is currently “facing a jobs crisis” that threatens to hold back its recovery, according to Paul Newman, head of leisure and hospitality at RSM. In a statement, which comes one week after venues resumed indoor trading, Newman called on the government to consider the “relaxation of visa…