The campaign hopes to help provide financial relief for hospitality workers impacted by the wide-ranging restaurant closures and staff layoffs currently being experienced across the industry.
Earlier this week Prime Minister Boris Johnson advised the public to ‘avoid’ pubs and restaurants, as the country’s response to the Coronavirus outbreak intensified.
Many restaurants have temporarily closed and announced significant layoffs as a result of the crisis, with other expected to follow suit in the coming days.
On Tuesday (17 March), the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a package of measures designed to help business during the crisis. Support for individuals, however, has so far not been so forthcoming.
“While we welcome the government’s recent announcements around a degree of support for business, the reality for many in the industry today is bleak with many facing a reduction in their working hours or a sudden and complete loss of income,” says Mark Lewis, Hospitality Action’s CEO.
“Every penny donated to our appeal will go towards helping hospitality workers and their families avoid destitution. We can’t help everybody, and our fund isn’t a long term solution, but we hope it’ll provide a degree of protection for some workers while they apply for government help.
“In our 183-year history UK hospitality has never faced a challenge like this during peacetime and it’s vital that anybody who can, acts to support us now.”
The campaign has already received support from many high-profile chefs including Tom Brown; Richard Corrigan; Angela Hartnett; Paul Ainsworth; and the charity’s principal patron, Jason Atherton.
To donate to the appeal, click here.
