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.

Aug- 2021 -

12 August

UK economy surges 4.8% in June

The UK economy grew by 4.8% in June as Covid-19 restrictions surrounding retail and leisure were eased across the UK, according to figures published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS). Gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have grown for a fifth consecutive month in June 2021, by 1.0%,…
Read More »
6 August

Wales set to move into alert level zero

Wales is set to move into alert level zero from midnight 7 August, relaxing all restrictions on meeting with others and allowing all businesses to open. As part of the move, face coverings will continue to be required in most indoor public places in Wales, including on public transport, in…
Read More »
4 August

All Scottish hospitality to reopen August 9

All Scottish hospitality venues will be legally allowed to reopen from August 9, after the legal requirement for physical distancing and limits on gatherings will be removed, first minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed. As Scotland moves beyond level 0, nightclubs can reopen for the first time since 2020 and pubs and…
Read More »
Jul- 2021 -

16 July

UKH welcomes gov’s new ‘hospitality strategy’

UKHospitality has welcomed the launch of a new ‘hospitality strategy’, which reportedly recognises the contribution the sector’s pubs, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs and other venues make to the UK’s economic and social wellbeing. The strategy sets out a raft of measures, including highlighting opportunities in the hospitality industry to job seekers…
Read More »
15 July

Wales to move to alert level one from 17 July

The Welsh government has announced that it will move fully into alert level one from 17 July 2021 and relax some of its existing Covid-19 restrictions. The changes were paused four weeks ago due to the emergence and spread of the delta variant across the UK and to enable more…
Read More »
12 July

Takeaway pints to be part of gov’s ‘levelling up’ agenda

Takeaway pints and outdoor dining are set to be important parts of the government’s “levelling up agenda”, which the prime minister is expected to reveal in a speech this week. Bosis Johnson will reveal plans to energise the country’s high streets, which include drastic changes to the hospitality industry’s operations.…
Read More »
8 July

Scottish gov launches hospitality recruitment drive

The Scottish government has announced the launch of a new recruitment drive, encouraging people to choose a career in the country’s tourism and hospitality industry. As part of the drive, the government launched an advertising campaign targeting roles within the industry to young people who have had their job prospects…
Read More »
Jun- 2021 -

28 June

MP proposes bill to ban tip deductions

A Conservative MP has brought forward a Tips Bill to parliament in a bid to ban restaurants and other hospitality businesses from making deductions from workers’ tips. Under the bill, proposed by Dean Russell, businesses would be unable to make deductions from staff tips, with workers either taking the money…
Read More »
23 June

Scottish gov delays Covid-19 easing until 19 July

The Scottish government has confirmed that the lifting of all restrictions in the country will be delayed until 19 July 2021, when the country will aim to move to Level 0 on the assumption that all necessary vaccination and harm reduction measures are met. The news follows the recent spike…
Read More »
8 June

Gov must ‘find a solution’ to £2bn rent debt, says UKH chief

Kate Nicholls, head of UKHospitality, has called on the government to work alongside the sector, landlords and shareholders to find a solution to the £2bn plus in rent debt that “hangs around the neck” of the industry. Giving evidence to the House of Commons Treasury Committee hearing on Monday (7…
Read More »