Licensed Trade Charity offers support to pubco staff amid housing crisis
A squeeze on private renters means that many of them will be forced to re-evaluate their employment, place of residence, or both, with People 1st predicting that an increase in labour turnover caused by the housing crisis will cost the hospitality sector £274m annually.
There are currently more than 9m renters in private accommodation, according to housing and homelessness charity Shelter, and a trend of buy-to-let investors selling up – with more than one in five of owners intending to do so.
Moreover, data published by the Residential Landlord Association has revealed that almost half of private landlords intend to increase rents in 2018.
With this in mind, the Licensed Trade Charity has reiterated its offer of free accommodation to pub and bar staff, as well as advice on employees’ rights as a tenant.
In addition to helping people through traumatic experiences relating to their housing situation, the charity also offers grants to cover rent arrears and legal advice on tenants’ rights.
The organisation’s relationships with Shelter and provider of housing and care for the elderly, Anchor, also opens up a range of further facilities for licensed trade employees.
The Licensed Trade Charity’s head of charity services Carolyn Jenkinson said: “Our exclusive offering for pub and bar people gives anyone with housing issues help and support.
"We can often assist with grants for rent arrears, rents and deposits to get them started in a new home, and for things such as boiler repairs, white goods and furnishings.
“Just as important can be sharing our expertise on tenants’ rights, including repairs, landlord responsibilities and what to do at the end of a let.
“Our help is relevant to people of all ages with housing issues across the drinks trade.
“No other charity has access to the same range of assistance that we have created through our relationships with Shelter and Anchor.”
Pub and bar staff can contact the Licensed Trade Charity’s for free on its helpline – 0808 801 0550 – or website www.licensedtradecharity.org.uk.
