Everything you need to know about the coronavirus and its effects on the hospitality industry

the face of uncertainty and massive upheaval, we have put together this comprehensive guide - containing up to date news on the coronavirus, useful links of where to seek help. 

Useful information

Timeline of events

Since the first case of the coronavirus was identified in the Hubei province of China last year, its repercussions have slowly crept up on Britain's common consciousness. 

April 27

Chancellor launches 100%-taxpayer-backed loans up to £50,000 - Chancellor Rishi Sunak has today launched the Bounce Back Loan scheme, which will allow businesses to apply online for loans of between £2,000 and £50,000. Sunak has said operators will be able to access funds within days of applying and that all loans will be interest free for the first year, with no repayments due during that period. The scheme will launch for applications on 4 May.

April 20

april 17

April 16

  • The Government announced an extension of three weeks to the UK lockdown to avoid any further risk to public health and the economy. 

April 7

  • Trade body UKHospitality asks the Government to reconsider its decision to exclude tronc payments from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

March 30

March 29

  • England's deputy chief medical officer says 'it could be six months before life in the UK returns to "normal". Speaking at the government's daily coronavirus briefing, Dr Jenny Harries added: "This is not to say we would be in complete lockdown for six months." 

March 26 

march 24

March 20

March 19

March 18

  • Industry charity Hospitality Action called for donations to support professionals who suffered losses as a result of the coronavirus. As of March 27th, the charity has raised £159,000, which will be distributed in the form of one-off £250 grants.

March 16

  • The government called for the British public to avoid "all non-essential contact," warning them against visiting pubs, cafes and restaurants, a move which the industry responded to in horror, as reservations went into freefall and they were left with no financial security or support.  

March 6

  • For the hospitality industry, footfall started to plummet in city centres first, with fewer people travelling from abroad and the countryside for conferences. Chefs attending HRC on the first week of March told The Staff Canteen that corporate cancellations were becoming increasingly frequent, but that regular custom remained largely unscathed. 

If you've been adversely affected by the coronavirus and you'd like to share your story, or would like to suggest other ways in which people can seek out or offer their help, please get in touch by emailing [email protected]

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The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 28th April 2020

Everything you need to know about the coronavirus and its effects on the hospitality industry