Lockdown Two by Alistair Scott

6th November 2020

Lockdown two by Alastair Scott
I find the psychology of the second lockdown fascinating. In the first lockdown everyone was scared and wanted to follow government advice, this lockdown is different with bookings for the next few days up to closure way up on last week as people want to go to the pub for the last time before staying at home for a month. I suspect, or hope, therefore that when we open up again it will be with immediate pent-up demand rather than the rather timid excursions after lockdown number one.

As operators, last time we closed without a furlough scheme (or maybe there was but I didn’t notice because I was already drowning my sorrows), whereas now we have a scheme that we understand; we also have an end date (probably) for the closure period. The furlough scheme also allows us to furlough on a part-time basis, so this time we can do takeaways and any other activities where we only need our team occasionally. So, we have more tools and flexibility with which to minimise our losses.

Sector voices concerns chancellor’s economic measures ‘don’t go far enough.

25th September 2020

Story of the Day:

Sector voices concerns chancellor’s economic measures ‘don’t go far enough’: Sector operators and trade bodies have voiced concerns the economic measures announced by chancellor Rishi Sunak “don’t go far enough” to protect jobs in the industry. Sunak has announced the creation of the Job Support Scheme, which aims to keep employees in a job on shorter hours rather than making them redundant, as well as an extension of the VAT cut to 5% for hospitality businesses until March. But industry bosses have warned further help will be needed if job losses are to be avoided. British Beer & Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin said she was “not confident” the Job Support Scheme is enough to protect jobs in the current trading conditions while the chancellor has missed “a golden opportunity” to extend the VAT cut to include alcohol. She added: “It is very concerning to see the chancellor not extend the business

Hospitality Independence Day – 4th July

23rd June 2020

Boris Johnson today unveiled the latest step in opening up the UK economy and has given the green light for our industry to begin reopening from 4 July.  With the 2m rule reduced to 1m this is welcomed news for our industry!  Here’s hoping that life and the economy will slowly get back to some normality.

Here at The Recruitment Room we will be evaluating all aspects of the potential changes to our industry and endeavour to bring you the same high standards of recruitment we have been providing since 2003.  You will know that is only possible by having long standing loyal clients and candidates who have stayed with us because what we do adds value to their businesses.

We are looking at reopening our office w/c 6 July and will be in contact with both clients and candidates in those early weeks to touch base, catch up and discuss any future requirements you may have.

We will look to implement a completely new payment structure for clients, offering flexible, staggered payment terms to ease cashflow and help get their businesses back to a profitable level.

We will of course continue to work to the highest standards and best practices to which everyone has become accustomed to receiving from The Recruitment Room.

For candidates now is the time to take a look at your CV and get it looking sharp and up to date.  If you require any assistance with this please don’t be shy and get in touch in the usual way.

Experience and trust are essential when it comes to choosing your recruitment partner post lockdown.  We appreciate recruitment fees are not a cheap option but more than ever employers need the BEST people managing their teams front of house and in the kitchen. We would love to offer you our support and experience in securing you the right level of key staff to help you prepare for battle.

We will be updating things from our side as we move forward and closer to our opening on 6 July but until then keep in touch and above all stay safe and well.

With very best wishes to all,

Carole & Paul

Wetherspoon boss says government approach Wrong:

17th March 2020

Wetherspoon boss says government approach wrong: JD Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin has criticised the government’s approach to coronavirus. He said: “I believe the government will make a tactical error in resorting to de facto ‘lockdown’. The Dutch position of frankly admitting that most people will get the virus, while protecting the elderly and sick, thereby building up group immunity, is the best path for the UK. As scientists have said lockdown for twelve weeks results in a further breakout of infections in July. The difference in keeping the hospitality industry open, even with reduced sales, is colossal. The industry contributes £120 billion a year of tax and six million jobs. Wetherspoon alone contributes £2m a DAY of tax.

Maximising untapped talent by Jill Whittaker

7th February 2020

Maximising untapped talent by Jill Whittaker

Attitudes towards careers are constantly evolving. New research has revealed perceptions of jobs in hospitality are changing, while there has been a shift away from “traditional” career pathways. These emerging trends are presenting new and exciting recruitment and retention opportunities for hospitality employers.

We all know the sector has battled outdated perceptions and a lack of understanding over what it can offer in terms of career development, satisfaction and reward. As a result, a number of barriers have prevented new talent from entering the industry.

Predictions for 2020 by Think Hospitality

10th January 2020

Predictions for 2020 by Think Hospitality

We have spent the void between Christmas and New Year wisely at Think Hospitality Group headquarters, with our partners formulating predictions for 2020 ranging from increased competition from the retail sector, mass adoption of customer technology, and brands upping their game when it comes to their environmental impact.

Here are our six predictions for the restaurant and bar sector for 2020.