Bar staff face stressful time as they ‘just survive’ crisis
MANCHESTER bar workers have told how they will be “stressed” and “just surviving” on two thirds of their wage.
They also support Gtr Manchester metro mayor Andy Burnham’s campaign for more financial aid.
Holly Smith, 23, assistant bar manager at Flok in the city’s Northern Quarter said: “I’m worried about the loss of money. It will be a lot of stress.”
Her hours have already been halved to just 20 a week, in part because of the 10pm pub curfew.
And shutting the city’s pubs will mean she gets just 67% of her £12-an-hour wage. Holly added: “I’ll get by but it will be a case of just surviving. I’m 100% for Andy Burnham. It is magnificent what he has been trying to do.”
Holly shares a flat with twin sister Jessica, who works 70 hours a week in a bar and a spa. She said: “Most of the people who live and work in the city are young and... are going to struggle to find other work.”
Alex Bailey, 28, assistant manager at the nearby Tib Street Tavern, said:
“The situation is really scary. It is totally unreasonable to ask people to survive on 67% of their income.”
Lisa Booth, landlady at The Wheatsheaf, said of 67% pay deal: “It is better than nothing but it would be very hard for people. It is depressing.”
Gerard Ford, 77, landlord at The Millstone, said of Andy Burnham: “He has been supporting us and we support him.”
I’m 100% for Andy Burnham. It’s magnificent what he has been trying to do
HOLLY SMITH ASSISTANT MANAGER AT FLOK BAR, MANCHESTER