04/10/2021
Trade bodies call for permanent lower VAT rate
Hospitality and tourism bosses are pleading with the Government to permanently lower the VAT rate on businesses in their sectors to help safeguard thousands of jobs, reports the Guardian. The appeal comes as the tax rate for pubs, restaurants, holiday accommodation and admission to certain attractions rose to 12.5% on Friday, following a temporary cut to just 5% that was introduced in July 2020 to help businesses struggling in the pandemic. Under the Treasury's current plans, VAT on hospitality and tourism sector purchases will rise again to the pre-pandemic level of 20% in April next year.
Government published proposals for plan B including mandatory vaccine passports
The Government has revealed that all nightclubs and other venues open after 1am with alcohol, music and dancing could be required to have vaccine passports should England need to resort to 'Plan B' of its Autumn and Winter Plan 2021, advises Morning Advertiser. The Government has published its plans for the contingency proposals and is asking for submissions by 11th October. As set out by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, mandatory vaccine-only certification could potentially be introduced in certain settings as part of 'Plan B'.
Pizza Express plans 50 more restaurants
The chief executive of Pizza Express has said the restaurant chain is "well underway" with a three-year programme to open 50 more sites. In a trading update, the casual dining chain said it was optimistic for the future following a "transformational" year for the business, which included a £335m refinancing deal, reports the Evening Standard. It comes after a difficult 18 months for the group, which saw the company cut around 2,400 UK jobs and permanently close 73 restaurants after the pandemic hit.
Staffing crisis pushes up wages
One in six (16%) hospitality jobs currently lie vacant the latest Business Confidence Survey from CGA and Fourth indicates, triggering intense competition among firms to recruit and retain team members reports The Caterer. Shortages have been rapidly inflating wage bills across the hospitality sector, which already faces mounting food, drink, supply and utility costs. Three quarters said they had offered better pay (76%), with those who have done so reporting an average of an 11% increase for existing staff, and by 13% for newly hired team members.
Wetherspoon to appoint 'worker directors'
Managed pub operator, JD Wetherspoon, is planning to hit back at the negative impact of corporate governance rules by promoting a number of 'worker directors' who are experienced pub or area managers to its board reports The Times. The pubs company said that by forcing frequent changes of directors, the regulations "often diluted or even destroyed" the culture of a company that had been developed over years and that directors with long experience of working for the group would counter that.
And Finally...
After six years of construction (it all began way back in 2015) and a £500 million investment, a mighty project on Leicester Square's southwest corner has finally opened, reports Condé Nast Traveller. The Londoner Hotel boasts 350 rooms, 16 storeys, six concept eateries, a member's club-style private area, meeting rooms, event spaces, an entire wellness floor and a cinema.