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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Oct- 2020 -15 OctoberCoronavirus
Move to Tier 2 ‘catastrophic’ for London’s hospitality sector
Placing London in Tier 2 will have disastrous outcomes for the hospitality sector, unless more job support and grants are made available, UKHospitality claims. The trade body has warned that without Tier 3 support for firms currently in Tier 2 the industry will face widespread job losses in weeks. The…
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15 OctoberCoronavirus
Marston’s warns ‘2150 jobs at risk’ amid new restrictions
Marston’s pub group is preparing to lay off 2150 staff members as a result of the new three-tiered lockdown system. The company said that since the first lockdown was lifted 10,000 staff members have been able return to work, however because of new restrictions imposed this week 2150 pub-based roles…
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13 OctoberBusiness
UK unemployment rises to 4.5%
The UK unemployment rate increased to 4.5% during the three months to August, the highest level in over three years. According to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), the total number of unemployed increased by 138,000 to 1.58 million people. It comes as over 227,000 people…
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12 OctoberCoronavirus
Almost 50% of hospitality staff remain on furlough, study finds
Approximately 43% of the hospitality workforce remains on the government’s furlough scheme, according to new research from hospitality software provider Fourth. The latest joint study indicates that many hospitality workers’ jobs “hang in the balance”, and that nationwide footfall is falling again, despite the momentum generated by August’s Eat Out…
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9 OctoberNews
The Restaurant Group faces shareholder concerns
A new shareholder resolution at restaurant chain The Restaurant Group has passed but was met with resistance. The restricted share plan was ultimately approved by investors though over a third of shareholders voted against the proposal. Some 37% of those who voted were against the new pay package which qualifies…
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9 OctoberGovernment
Hospitality sector demands ‘clarity’ amid closure rumours
Hospitality workers in the North of England are requesting clarity from UK government officials following news that restaurants and bars may have to close from Monday. According to Sky News, ministers are said to be still finalising a “traffic light system plan” where different areas of England with the highest…
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8 OctoberCoronavirus
Pubs and restaurants in central Scotland to close
Pubs and restaurants across Scotland’s central belt, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, are set to close as part of new measures targeted at preventing the increase of Covid-19 cases in the area. In other parts of the country, pubs and restaurants can remain open but can only sell alcohol outdoors. The…
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7 OctoberBusiness
Businesses must check furlough inaccuracies before HMRC deadline
Businesses using the furlough scheme have been urged to “thoroughly check” their claims for inaccuracies before HMRC’s cut-off date to avoid the risk of fines or prosecution. Accountancy firm Kilsby Williams issued the warning after HMRC sent letters to a growing number of businesses to inform them of potential errors…
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7 OctoberCoronavirus
New Scottish Covid-19 restrictions ‘risk young people’s future’
A member of the Scottish Hospitality Group (SHG) has warned that renewed Covid-19 restrictions are a “risk [to] young people’s future”. Stephen Montgomery, who owns two hotels in Dumfries, said that restrictions being mulled by authorities which may come into force after the furlough scheme ends “will cost jobs”. He…
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5 OctoberComment
Unprofitable hotel kitchens cannot be sustained, but food delivery holds the answer
Nationwide lockdown is over, staycations are booming, and yet across the hotel industry, thousands of venues are struggling with low occupancy rates, particularly hotels in city centres, not to mention the considerable costs incurred as owners go to extreme lengths to make patrons feel safe during their stay. In an…
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