UK
It is early days yet, it was only Wednesday night, after all, that Boris Johnson brought in Plan B covid-19 restrictions. However, there is a flutter of foreboding rippling in the wake of his words so LCNi caught up with Textile Services Association CEO David Stevens (pictured) and UKHospitality’s Kate Nicholls for their opinions.
Stevens said: “I think plan B is a relatively sensible solution. We are clearly seeing a dramatic rise in Omicron cases, so we need to do something. The vaccination passport does allow the hospitality industry to continue to remain open, which is our key objective, and encourages more people to get the vaccine as there is now a consequence of not being vaccinated.
“Working from home where you can also makes sense although for our industry few will be able to. We want to do everything to avoid another lockdown, but I am picking up a real sense of concern from the membership of what may lie ahead.”
UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls, said: “While the Government clearly acknowledges that hospitality is safe and can continue to host celebrations in the lead up to Christmas, the measures announced today will significantly impact consumer confidence and be particularly devastating to city and town centre venues.
“As such, they risk devastating the hospitality sector amid its most important time of the year. We therefore desperately need support if we are to survive this latest set of restrictions and urge the Government to stand behind our industry. That means full business rates relief, grants, rent protection and extended VAT reductions. Anything less would prove catastrophic.”
• Any comment to make on the situation? Send your thoughts to kathy.bowry@laundryandcleaningnews.com
