'Work from Home' regulation could kill hospitality, say bosses

Leaders of the hospitality sector have warned that the new 'work from home' directive could reverse the industry's Covid-19 recovery and kill Christmas trading. 

The industry's caution comes in light of last week's government announcement that Plan B would be implemented in response to rapidly rising cases of the Omicron variant. The move meant that from Friday 10 December, face coverings again became mandatory in most public indoor venues until further notice, with those who can being advised to work from home from 13 December. 

In response to the restrictions, hospitality bosses have called for urgent financial support to help the industry survive, concerned that the reintroduction of work from home guidance will diminish consumer confidence, resulting in widespread cancellations of bookings during the critical festive trading period. 

UKHospitality, Croydon BID, Mayor of London and Boxpark have joined the call on behalf of the sector for an urgent review into financial support. The group is urging government to provide funding to soften the blow to Christmas trading from new Covid guidelines by redirecting unspent grants available to the sector, or by introducing new alternatives such as a discretionary fund to be administered by local authorities.

This call is further backed by British BIDs, The BID Foundation, Night Time Industries Association and the Association of Town and City Management who together collectively represent over 100,000 hospitality businesses.

'Government must meet business halfway'

Matthew Sims, CEO of Croydon BID, says that government must recognise that recent delays and indecision regarding the spread of Omicron has left high streets "reeling". 

"The devastating impact of reintroducing ‘work from home’ guidance will lead to a further reduction in consumer confidence which will undoubtedly lead to the cancellation of Christmas parties and gatherings during the festive period and a very hard January... Government must meet business halfway and introduce financial support such as a discretionary fund or the repurposing of The Additional Restrictions Grant fund and allocate to businesses most affected during the busiest time of the year. Without it, we can expect further closures on our high streets,” adds Sims.

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