News Bites
Ofgem proposals ‘much needed’ to deliver fairness in the energy market
The energy regulator Ofgem has recently reviewed the non-domestic energy market and has announced some proposals that will hopefully reduce the burden on businesses. Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive at UKHospitality comments: “These proposals are much-needed and will provide some essential protection for businesses.”
Struggling UK pubs and restaurants pray spirit of Christmas past will reappear
The hospitality industry is likely to still struggle this Christmas, and while it’s a bit early to assess current festive trading, figures from payroll services supplier S4Labour showed that sales in London were up 3% in October versus last year, but fell 2.5% outside the capital.
Hospitality industry criticises skilled worker visa crackdown
Government plans to raise the minimum salary requirement for a skilled worker visa haven’t gone down well in the hospitality industry. Around 95% of the 8,500 visas issued to skilled chefs and managers last year would fall short of the new threshold. Neil Burke, Managing Director at Black Friar pub in Salford says that “this means we won’t be able to consider sponsored chefs in the future, and will only be able to hire overseas workers for senior management roles.”
Hospitality Business Leader Survey 2023 sees operators feel more hopeful
Optimism among hospitality business leaders has jumped by eight percentage points. The Hospitality Business Leader Survey 2023, reveals that 48% of respondents feel optimistic about the industry’s prospects over the next 12 months.