The impact Covid-19 is having on the Hospitality Industry

Northern Ireland entered a four-week long circuit breaker on the 16th of October, beginning at 6pm. This meant all bars and restaurants having to close their doors for the second time in 2020. This would mean devastating consequences for many of the businesses, with some likely to not survive this semi-lockdown. The hospitality sector has warned that there will be more than half a million permanent job losses due to these new restrictions. 

Many businesses - still reeling from the impact of the first lockdown - may not survive this circuit breaker. With many employees still on furlough prior to this, or in the worst-case scenario, many having already lost their jobs. We can note "The Grill Made In Belfast" which was forced to close, with no future plans of reopening in September - prior to the circuit breaker. Whilst this establishment was able to reopen its doors, it is a testament to just how close it is for these businesses. A support package for businesses has been announced, it is likely this may not be enough for many establishments. Belfast Chamber of Commerce chief executive Simon Hamilton said the support package for businesses "didn't cut it". While these measures are coming at a difficult time as cases rise, this will be detrimental not only to the Hospitality Industry but furthermore, to the economy. 

Furloughed employees are being offered 80% of their average annual wage until the end of October. After that, they are then being downgraded to 67% of their average annual wage. It is notable to mention that companies are now having to contribute to this overall figure. More than 200,000 workers in Northern Ireland were furloughed after the lockdown began in March (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-54006992). 

I asked the followers of TheGoodFoodBlog's Instagram - (@TheGoodFoodBlog) - whether they thought enough was being done for the furloughed workers. This poll had 100% of voters vote for "no". With one voter left wondering via messenger how "anyone will survive that" should the circuit breaker be extended after talks of a two-week extension.