Long-term Government view on industry needs will make ‘enormous difference’

Further reading:​

• 'Shockingly quiet' first week of indoor trade​ - Operators have described the first week of indoor trading after lockdown as “shockingly quiet” but said they are optimistic as sales data shows a boost.

• 'Keep roadmap on track,' urges trade​ - Pub trade bosses have urged the Government to stick to its unlocking roadmap and allow the sector to rebuild beyond 21 June.

• Pubs reopen as caution urged over virus variant​ - Pubs are to reopen their doors for punters after months of closure today (Monday 17 May) as Brits are urged to remain cautious about the virus.

• 45,000 pubs expected to reopen for indoor service​ - Some 45,000 pubs are estimated to reopen to trade inside from Monday 17 May, serving 3m pints, leaving 2,000 unable to open their doors due to limited space, one trade body has predicted.

• ‘Road to recovery for pubs and breweries stretches many years ahead’​ - We’ve all seen the pictures of people enjoying pub gardens and brewery tap yards across the UK. You might assume that everything for our industry is getting back to normal.

• Development programme will support managers with reopening challenges​ - An online development programme has been launched for managers in the hospitality sector.

• Lack of support a 'nightmare' for wet-led pubs​ - Wet-led pub operators have been left disappointed after their calls for focused support went largely unheard by the Chancellor.

• Chancellor extends 5% VAT for further six months​ - Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has announced that the UK will not return to a standard 20% VAT rate until April 2022.

• Shepherd Neame seeks 300 new staff, £40k lost per-pub during pandemic​ - On top of jobs news from Marston’s, Bacardi-Martini and the Mayor’s office in Goole, this week’s update includes news of 300 new roles at Shepherd Neame and the latest on the pandemic’s financial symptoms.

• 330k jobs at risk if rent protections removed​ - The £2.5bn rent debt facing the hospitality sector threatens more than 330,000 jobs, according to research from one trade body.

• Last-minute resignations add pressure as staff 'want a move away' from sector​ - Pub operators are facing challenges with staffing and recruitment as restrictions ease up with a number describing being left in the lurch by sudden resignations.