Hospitality industry in danger of low staff levels in Suffolk
Bookings have surged drastically compared to pre-Covid levels
Restaurant owners may struggle to manage staff levels once all legal limits on mixing are lifted in Suffolk.
A survey by UK hospitality shows 80% of businesses are struggling to recruit front of house, waiting-on and bar staff, as well as chefs in kitchens.
Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown means that there will be no limits on people mixing, including at large events.
There's concern that if there is a surge in need for hospitality, such as restaurants, it could lead to a busy summer for the industry with shortages of staff.
According to ticket companies, bookings have surged by as much as 1,000% compared to pre-Covid levels.
The British Beer and Pub Association have said businesses should be given notice and financial compensation if they could not reopen fully as planned.
James Leamon, the owner of The Grill at Twenty5 in Ipswich said that it has been a “challenge” to get more staff since restaurants have been a lot busier.
“We were posting out for chefs, but everywhere was busy and the more restaurants get busy, the harder it is going to be to find chefs.
“When lockdown was first eased, there were a lot of chefs and a lot of front of house people looking for work, but now that restaurants are a lot busier – it’s not really needed anymore.”
Mark Cordell, the Chief Executive of the Our Bury St Edmunds Business Improvement District said many hospitality workers found new jobs during the pandemic and have no plans to come back.
Low wages, long hours and zero-hour-contracts have made careers in hospitality less attractive, and Brexit has dramatically reduced the pool of foreign labour that played a key role for businesses.
But Mark Cordell also feels that a lack of public respect for this type of work plays a role.
He said: "Maître d's, bar staff, waitresses, chefs - they are so important to us as consumers.
"I think the whole issue is that it needs to be seen as an important job.
"And I am not sure if over the past couple of years that has necessarily been the case."
Hospitality industry figures have warned that businesses may be under pressure, despite being able to fully reopen.
As more restaurants and bars become busy and in need of staff, there are obvious repercussions of less hospitality staff to go round.
Tina Leamon, co-owner of The Grill at Twenty5 explained that since re opening in April when the Government allowed them to, bookings have been “yo-yoing” every week.
“Every time a minister stands at the podium it has an impact on hospitality. It makes people stop and think about going out.
“Last week we needed a temporary chef for a couple of services. We struggled to find anyone to cover the service. We posted on all social media forums, in all business groups, and even contacted a few agencies. Nothing. No one was available to cover.”
Mark Cordell appeals to everyone enjoying post-lockdown life to be patient if the food takes longer to arrive than we were used to.
"We are delighted that so many people are coming back as customers. But we need them to be a little bit understanding, a little bit tolerant of the challenges being faced by the businesses."
Boris Johnson is due to outline his plan for the final easing of lockdown on the 19th July, later today.