Truro pub faces 'perfect storm' with recruitment and soaring costs
The William IV in Truro says it has been the most difficult two years they have ever had
Last updated 24th Feb 2023
Pubs, restaurants and cafes in Cornwall are facing a 'perfect storm' as staff recruitment and soaring energy costs are forcing pressure on the hospitality industry.
Our investigation has revealed many pubs are considering whether it is worth pushing through the difficult times - with many closing their doors for a few days or permanently.
Ellie Pitt, owner of the William IV in Truro, said: "This probably in 30 years of running pubs, the most difficult two years we've had. The pandemic were a breeze compared to what we're going through now with recruitment and energy costs etc.
"Just generally the rising costs of everything, it makes the profit very small in a pub".
"It's been very, very difficult"
Recent figures reveal more than a quarter of businesses, who hire 10 or more employees, have reported that they experienced difficulties recruiting new staff last month.
The data also shows in January, more than a quarter of trading businesses reported less people coming in, compared to December last year.
Ellie told us: "I think we've particularly noticed that recruiting with chefs, we've struggled.
"We never really struggled to recruit staff, we're in the city centre, we're central, but we have noticed a real struggle when it's come to recruiting chefs, it's been very very difficult".
The pub have seen their energy costs rise by around 400% and have made significant changes to their menus to adapt to survive, recently trialling closing their kitchens for the evenings on a couple of days each week.
Ellie added: "People don't expect that from the William IV. If we're having to do that, I can't imagine what it's like for smaller village businesses.
"There is only so much stress you can take. It's been very difficult, we've had some ill health in our families and it's made us question do we want to continue, we've actually had those conversations. Is it worth it?"
James Hampton, interim peoples manager for St Austell Brewery, said: "The number of people willing to come and work in the hospitality industry is reducing so we're trying to find other ways to attract them and prove to them that hospitality is still a viable career.
"In hospitality in general, and increased in Cornwall, what we've seen is the talent pool reduced. While we had lots and it was fairly full pre-Brexit and pre-Covid a lot of people have either returned home or they've found other work.
"It's kind of a perfect storm really of what's been going on".
Read more:
Newquay café closes four days a week to deal with "unaffordable" cost of living
Cornwall small businesses' confidence for survival reaches all time low
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