Government

The latest news and updates on government policy, from the business journalists at Catering Today. We bring you the latest on what’s happening in the restaurants, bars and catering industry, with exclusive stories, analysis, best practice and industry comment.

Jun- 2018 -

12 June

One in 10 hospitality staff considering leaving UK due to Brexit

A survey has revealed that over one in 10 hospitality workers (11%, equivalent to 330,000 staff nationally) are thinking about leaving the UK because of Brexit. The survey launched by workforce collaboration software company Planday and conducted by YouGov showed a disparity between the hospitality employees and managers as managers…
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11 June

Jeremy Corbyn to clamp down on sexual harassment and employers taking tips

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has made a pledge to make easier for victims of sexual harassment in the hospitality sector to take their companies to an employment tribunal. Corbyn will also look to ban the use of non-disclosure agreements against victims of sexual assaults and make it compulsory for companies…
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May- 2018 -

30 May

MPs consider banning cartoons from junk food adverts

MPs have called for a ban on the use of cartoon characters to advertise foods like McDonalds, KFC, and Burger King that are high in fat, sugar or salt. The ban would see the end of many historical characters such as Tony the Tiger, Ronald McDonald, the Milky Bar Kid,…
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24 May

Three quarters of recruiters ‘don’t see any value’ in apprenticeship levy

According to new research three quarters of recruiters see no value in the apprenticeship levy. The research conducted by the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) also found that fewer than half are currently using their levy funds, or planning to do so in the next 12 months. Samantha Hurley,…
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23 May

Nandos denies ‘Tory discount’

Nandos has denied reports that it was partnering up with the Conservative Party to offer a discount to members. The ‘peri peri’ chicken restaurant chain has denied reports, with a spokesperson saying: “Nando’s has no political affiliations as a brand and no political discount card exists. “We have a Nando’s…
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21 May

Human error could cost businesses £17.5m as GDPR looms

With the arrival of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) businesses who mishandle personal data will leave themselves open to a fine of up to £17.5m. Research by information management company EDM Group found that 76% of UK businesses say a large amount of mail and communications are incorrectly allocated due…
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11 May

London mayor Sadiq Khan set to ban fast food ads on TFL services

London mayor Sadiq Khan is set to ban adverts for fast food on TFL services such as trains and buses. Child health experts are in favour of the ban, however the Advertising Association said the plans would have “little impact”. TfL says it supports the Mayor’s plans to reduce obesity…
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10 May

Named and shamed: Underpaid hospitality staff among 200,000 to receive £15.6m back pay

HMRC has identified £15.6m in pay owed to more than 200,000 of the UK’s lowest paid workers, following an investigation from 2017 to 2018. This was an increase from the £10.9m that was owed to 98,000 workers in the previous year. Earlier this year, Wagamama, TGI Fridays, Starbucks and Subway…
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2 May

UKHospitality welcomes government’s recognition of immigration policy

UKHospitality has welcomed the government’s acknowledgement of the contributions made by EU nationals to the UK’s small businesses. The group has also called on the government to provide a future immigration policy that enables hospitality businesses to continue to employ EU nationals without disruption. During oral questions yesterday, small business…
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1 May

Restaurant denied takeaway service amid fears it would ‘encourage illegal parking’

A restaurant in East Lothian has been denied a takeaway service after fears it would encourage drivers to “park on the footpath” and “manoeuvre dangerously”. Sava Estates, the developers behind the restaurant have compared the ruling to halting the construction of a jewellers to avoid encouraging break-ins, and have appealed…
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