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.
-
Oct- 2021 -15 OctoberPeople
British workers filling more jobs in hospitality, data finds
British workers are beginning to fill more numbers of job positions in pubs, restaurants and hotels “than ever before” as labour shortages continue, according to the latest figures from hospitality software provider Fourth. It said this trend has been consistent over the last six months, as the number of British…
Read More » -
Sep- 2021 -6 SeptemberBusiness
Labour shortages could continue for two-years, CBI warns
Labour supply problems could last for up to two years and will not be solved by the end of the Job Retention Scheme, the CBI’s director-general, Toby Danker has warned. The warning comes as the CBI’s director-general has set out priorities for both business and government to guard against labour…
Read More » -
6 SeptemberCoronavirus
Hotel and restaurant loan write-offs soar 65%
Write-offs of loans to restaurants and hotels rose by 65% during the course of the pandemic, with £99m written off by banks and other lenders in 2020/21, up from £60m the prior year, according to audit, tax, and advisory firm Mazars. The firm found that write-offs in lending to the…
Read More » -
Aug- 2021 -18 AugustCoronavirus
SHG calls for migrant worker visa scheme
The Scottish Hospitality Group (SHG) has warned that the ending of furlough in five weeks time will “not fully address” the staffing crisis facing hospitality and many other sectors. In light of this, it is now urging Westminster to work with the three devolved nations and introduce a migrant visa…
Read More » -
17 AugustBusiness
Unemployment falls to 4.7% as job vacancies hit record high
UK unemployment fell to 4.7% for the quarter to 30 June 2021, a drop of 0.2% when compared to the previous three month period. According to the ONS, this was coupled by a 0.3% rise in the UK employment rate to 75.1% in the same period, closing the gap with…
Read More » -
Jul- 2021 -19 JulyBusiness
Hospitality spending 70% below pre-pandemic levels, says ONS
Consumer spending within the hospitality industry has remained at less than 70% of pre-pandemic levels, according to the latest report by the Office of National Statistics (ONS). Despite turnover increasing to £6.9bn in May 2021 from £1.2bn the prior year, the figure is still around 25% lower compared with May…
Read More » -
Jun- 2021 -29 JuneTrade Associations
UKH calls on Gov for mitigating measures after ‘freedom day’ delay
UKHospitality has urged the Government to consider a range of mitigating measures in relation to mounting costs for hospitality businesses as the easing of lockdown restrictions is delayed. The trade association claimed that the stall to reopening risks further business failures as a result of unsustainable accrued debts on top…
Read More » -
29 JuneRestaurants
Tasty sees takeaway and delivery sales ‘perform well’
Tasty, the operator of restaurants in the casual dining sector, has revealed that for the six-week period to 27 June 2021, takeaway and delivery sales “performed well” during the most recent lockdown. Following the easing of lockdown restrictions on 17 May 2021, most of the company’s estate reopened, with 49…
Read More » -
15 JuneCoronavirus
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…
Read More » -
8 JunePubs and Bars
Continued restrictions ‘crushing’ future of UK pubs, says BII
The majority of UK pub owners believe the country’s continued social distancing restrictions are “crushing” the future of their businesses, according to a recent survey conducted by the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII). With current trading restrictions, 74% of publicans are trading at less than 75% compared to 2019 figures,…
Read More »
