News Bites
Home Office visa plans could be the ‘nail in the coffin’ for UK hospitality
Policy changes to the requirements for skilled worker visa could have a big effect on the hospitality industry. 95% of 8500 migrant workers recruited in the industry last year would be ineligible under the new salary thresholds, and migrants already account for 15% of the sector’s workforce. Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality comments: “There’s an economy-wide shortage of labour. Migrant workers are a vital and important component.”
Spate of bar closures in Wales causes fears for the future
Calls are being made for the Welsh government to rethink plans to cut rates relief from 75% to 40%, meaning a typical Welsh pub or restaurant could now pay an average £6800 more than a similar business in England. Food business PR consultant Jane Cook says businesses are struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel and are “looking ahead and feeling quite worried for their futures.”
January tube strikes cancelled – the UKHospitality response
UKHospitality have responded to the cancellation of the January tube strikes after the RMT made a deal with Transport for London. Chief Executive Kate Nicholls says: “Hospitality businesses in the capital will be relieved that the tube strike has been suspended. January is already one of the quieter trading months, so every sale is crucial.”
Pubs and bars urge people to spend Dry January with them
Even though we’re coming to the end of Dry January, many people will decide to continue the sober life into the rest of the year – and pubs and bars are asking people to continue to visit even if they’re not drinking alcohol. Alcohol Change UK added: “It’s important to remember that pubs are a place for social connection for many people”.