‘Staying open is a challenge’

Further reading:​

Boosting wages not a ‘fix’ to staff shortage​​ – Pub operators have said they are boosting wages in a bid to protect themselves against the sector’s staff shortage.

Third of sector on furlough at end of spring​​ – One third of the hospitality sector (33%) was on furlough at the end of May 2021 – the month lockdown restrictions on indoor hospitality were eased.

‘Extra precautions’ may remain beyond 19 July​ ​– The Prime Minister has warned of “extra precautions” that may have to remain beyond 19 July.

Pubs forced to close as staff required to isolate​ ​– Pubs across the country have been forced to close after staff have been asked to self-isolate.

Caring for customers, caring for your teams​ ​– This pandemic has hit the whole country so hard. Hospitality, as a sector, has perhaps been hardest hit, having been closed for a total of nine and a half months via three lockdowns since March 2020.

19 July ‘end of the line’ for restrictions​ ​– Lockdown rules will be lifted on Monday 19 July in an “irreversible” step, new health secretary Sajid Javid confirmed.

LIVE: Guidance for businesses on 12 July​ ​– Coronavirus latest: guidance will be issued for businesses one week prior to restrictions lifting on Monday 19 July.

10% furlough contributions start this week​ –​ Operators with staff on furlough will have to contribute 10% before it rises to 20% in August.

Urgent review of ‘massively disruptive’ Test & Trace isolation needed​ ​– The Government has been urged to amend the Tet & Trace system, which is forcing businesses to close and resulting in mass isolations, one trade body has said.

Welsh venues to receive up to £25k in Covid support​ ​– The Welsh Government has announced a fresh sum of funding for businesses that continue to be hit hard by pandemic restrictions.