Hospitality help

BRITAIN’S hospitality sector has faced numerous challenges as thousands of bars, takeaways and restaurants have struggled to make ends meet in wake of the coronavirus crisis. Thousands of businesses were forced to shut shop in March, following strict lockdown measures designed to halt the spread of the Covid-19 infection. Last month, the UK government offered an extended furlough scheme for businesses. Some experts praised the move, as they said increased flexibility would allow more people back to work on a part-time basis and help venues ensure customers and staff safety. Despite the support, however, there are still challenges ahead. Some businesses will have accumulated a backlog of debt on additional expenses besides staff, including deferred rent. It could also take much longer for certain businesses to resume working, as they will need to adopt new measures to protect their staff as well as customers. When Eastern Eye spoke to several restaurant owners this week, their businesses have largely remained closed. Although Downing Street has suggested that the hospitality sector may begin to reopen in July, there has been no confirmation on when business can resume. It is clear that restaurants and bars will be unable to work at full capacity, at least in the beginning, so safeguarding jobs and businesses will need to be an essential part of the plan moving forward. It is vital that the government offers flexible support to the hospitality industry so that thousands of people do not lose their livelihoods.