Furlough
Our coverage of the furlough scheme and its impact on the UK foodservice, hospitality, and catering sectors. We report on government policy updates, employer experiences, sector-specific challenges, and the operational and financial implications for restaurants, pubs, bars, and contract caterers. From workforce retention and reopening strategies to lessons learned post-scheme, this content supports industry professionals navigating staffing, recovery planning, and long-term resilience in a post-pandemic landscape.
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Apr- 2020 -27 AprilBusiness Bites
Lockdown to persist says Johnson, clergy weigh in on behaviour of corona-corporations
The PM is back at his desk and says the lockdown must continue for the foreseeable future, and it would be premature to consider lifting now. After having been struck down with COVID-19 himself – and ending up in intensive care – the premier has finally convalesced and spoke from…
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27 AprilCoronavirus
Prezzo enables early access to furlough pay
Prezzo is now offering income streaming to its 3,000 employees to enable early access to furlough pay amid the ongoing pandemic. The income streaming will allow workers early access to accrued pay, and provider Wagestream has also extended its service to cover furlough pay from the government during the crisis. …
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23 AprilCoronavirus
1 million hospitality jobs at risk without reopening plan, says UKH
An extended period of social distancing could cost one million jobs unless measures to protect hospitality businesses are put in place, according to UKHospitality (UKH). On the day that professor Chris Whitty warned that social distancing measures could last beyond 2020, UKH revealed it has written cabinet office minister, Michael…
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22 AprilBusiness
66% of hospitality businesses ‘will not survive’ another three months of lockdown, study finds
Some 66% of hospitality businesses do not think they can survive a further three months of lockdown measures. According to a study by Kam Media, which involved 211 hospitality companies – ranging from businesses operating pubs and bars to restaurants, cafes and street food venues believe they will not survive…
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22 AprilBusiness Bites
Will there be coronavirus help for small company directors who are paid by dividend?
The financial plight of limited company directors has been raised by the Tory chairman of the Treasury select committee. Mel Stride, a former Treasury minister, said chancellor Rishi Sunak needs to view company directors as a tranche of people who have ‘slipped through the net’ of all the other largesse…
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22 AprilComment
The coronavirus diaries: Larkin Cen
A few weeks ago, we had no idea what the effects that Covid-19 would have on our industry. Unprecedented is probably the best word to describe it and overnight the whole economy was decimated. As the days have changed so too has the entire landscape of the country and I…
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21 AprilCoronavirus
11.7 million people at risk of furlough or unemployment over coming months
Almost 11.7 million people could be furloughed or unemployed in the coming months, according to new research from independent think tank Resolution Foundation (RF). The group said that although the UK Government’s Job Retention Scheme (JRS) will “substantially limit” the growth of unemployment, it added the “evidence is clear” that…
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20 AprilCoronavirus
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme portal goes live
The portal for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is now live, with the government saying that businesses with validated claims will receive payments within at least six days. Under the scheme announced last month, employers can claim a grant covering 80% of the wages for a furloughed employee, subject to…
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17 AprilComment
Covid-19: How catering and food businesses can keep their workforce safe
Few could have predicted the impact the Covid-19 outbreak would have on the food and catering industry. Many food businesses find themselves busier than ever, trying to feed the nation and ensure products are delivered safely – both for their customers and for their staff. We have been asked for…
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16 AprilCoronavirus
Chancellor extends furlough scheme deadline
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has extended the deadline for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme after it was found that many people who had recently changed jobs were set to miss out. Under the scheme announced last month, employers can claim a grant covering 80% of the wages for a furloughed employee,…
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