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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Jun- 2021 -3 JunePubs and Bars
Hospitality facing widespread staff shortages, survey finds
Nine in 10 hospitality business leaders expect to face staff shortages this year as restrictions continue to ease, according to the latest Business Confidence Survey from CGA and Fourth. Half (51%) of respondents anticipate shortages in all roles, while 39% are only concerned about back of house roles. According to…
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May- 2021 -25 MayCoronavirus
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…
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19 MayPubs and Bars
Six pubs ‘vanished’ a week during pandemic
Around six pubs “vanished” a week in the UK during the coronavirus pandemic, according to real estate adviser Altus Group. The group states the pubs were either demolished or converted into offices and homes over the lockdown period. At the time of the first lockdown last year (20 March 2020),…
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13 MayCoronavirus
Hospitality SMEs anticipate rising demand and revenues, says Barclaycard
With lockdown restrictions continuing to ease across the UK, SMEs predict a 9.8% rise in revenue this quarter, rising to 21% in the hospitality sector, according to new research from Barclaycard Payments. This marks the highest anticipated increase since the SME Barometer was launched in February 2020. The research, which…
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Apr- 2021 -21 AprilCoronavirus
355,000 fewer employees in hospitality than last year, says ONS
There are around 355,000 fewer employees in the hospitality sector in 2021 compared to the year before, according to employment figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Some 78% of those leaving the hospitality payroll employment were under the age of 35, and more than half who lost…
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19 AprilAdvice
Gourmet on-demand: The expanding delivery app market
Before the pandemic struck, businesses were lurching towards a new on-demand world, with rising apps making all manner of services available at the click-of-a-button. This was undoubtedly accelerated by Covid-19, as people sheltered at home and businesses looked for ways to adapt and continue to function despite the confines of…
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9 AprilGovernment
Restaurateur engages in legal action against Welsh gov over reopening plans
The owner of the Sticky Fingers Street Food restaurant, Matt Connolly, has engaged in a legal challenge against the Welsh government over its failure to set out an opening date for indoor hospitality. The restaurant owner has hired law firm JMW Solicitors, which is also handling Sacha Lord’s legal case,…
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6 AprilGovernment
Matt Hancock called to High Court to explain pub closure reasoning
Health secretary Matt Hancock has been called to give evidence at the High Court following a legal case brought forward by Manchester’s night-time economy adviser, Sacha Lord. The summons follow former Pizza Express boss Hugh Osmond and club operator Lord’s decision to launch a legal challenge which suggests the government…
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Mar- 2021 -16 MarchPubs and Bars
Brewdog and The Skills Network launch employee learning academy
Online learning solutions provider, The Skills Network has launched the ‘BrewDog Academy’ to host online courses for employees at Scottish-based brewery and pub chain BrewDog – to help them access and gain national qualifications. The fully-funded courses – which will reach 2000 of the chain’s employees – are also available…
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9 MarchFeatures
Government signals sunny days ahead for the hospitality industry
Over the past two weeks the government has shone a ray of light upon what was building towards a foreboding number of months ahead for the hospitality sector. However, do Boris Johnson’s “roadmap” to recovery and Rishi Sunak’s budget announcement entail a season of Spring sunshine or April showers ahead…
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