Help with pay leads to tears of relief

Restaurateurs grateful amid a ‘scary time’ for all in the hospitality trade

MasterChef finalist Dean Banks has admitted he shed a tear when the UK Government announced workers will continue to be paid, despite the mandatory closure of all bars, restaurants and clubs.

The Arbroath-born chef, who rose to fame as a finalist on MasterChef: The Professionals, said Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s commitment that employers would be able to apply to cover 80% of the wages of staff they keep on, up to £2,500 a month during the crisis, was like a weight being lifted from his shoulders.

Mr Banks, owner of St Andrews restaurant Haar, which employs 15 staff, added he would make up the additional shortfall in salary, in a show of loyalty for his team.

However, he admitted the coronavirus crisis had inevitably put massive pressures on business owners and made for, what he called, a “scary time” for all those within the industry.

“I was hoping it would be good news as far as staff wages were concerned, but this announcement of 80% is way better than I had anticipated and will go a long way to safeguarding a great many jobs,” said Mr Banks.

“I’ll admit I shed a tear when it was announced and was a little overwhelmed with emotion – it’s a huge relief.”

Mr Banks anticipated the forced closure announcement, agreeing everyone had to do whatever is necessary to help slow the spread of the virus.

“But that is balanced with the fact we have people’s livelihoods at stake too,” he added.

“We are lucky we have had a successful first year and that’s why I’ve committed to making up that other 20% to repay the loyalty my team has shown me.

“I fully appreciate not every business can afford to do that, but I really hope those who can will do the same.

“It’s already been such a difficult time for pubs, restaurants and the like but since the coronavirus situation it has become such a scary time for everyone.”

For Angelika Milano, whose family own the Ciao Sorrento Italian restaurant in Dundee, the closure announcement was also anticipated.

“We’ve been preparing for it,” she said. “So while it’s dramatic and affects so many thousands of workers and businesses, it wasn’t a surprise.

“As we are a family-run business, our staff numbers are low but the news 80% of salaries will be met is a welcome move.

“We have had to look at ways of supplementing or diversifying our service, which is why we offer delivery and collection for our customers between certain hours.

“We had already committed to support our staff and while the uncertainty over how long this will last is a concern for everyone, we are glad workers will be paid.”