Everyone in the hospitality industry is hoping for some good news when Boris Johnson unveils his lockdown easing roadmap this coming Sunday.
As we get closer to the news of what the roadmap will contain, reports are emerging that several drafts are still being considered by Government.
Boris Johnson has seemed adamant in recent press statements that he will not ease the lockdown in any way that jeopardises a second spike in contagion.
We reported a few weeks ago that Michael Gove stated categorically that hospitality venues and pubs specifically would be among the last of reopen.
The BBC are today reporting that they have seen some of the draft reports Government are considering. In the report social distancing of 2m is being looked at, and possibly relaxed. Where it might be relaxed additional screening and use of PPE is suggested as an alternative. This clearly would not be viable for most, if not all hospitality providers.
Unions are also now being more vocal and are citing examples of where social distancing is not taking place, lives are being lost. One example being Heathrow Airport, which is coming under increasing fire for not following Government guidelines.
Hospitality considering reopening – Restaurants, Click and Collect
For some sectors of hospitality emerging from lockdown has already started. Restaurants offering click and collect and a myriad of takeaway and home delivery services are a good example.
For chain restaurants starting to reopen through limited restaurants and testing processes and systems is well underway. TGI Fridays launch Click & Collect is opening this Wednesday at 24 locations.
Hospitality considering reopening – Caterers planning collaboratively
We have seen that preparations from workplace caterers are already in place. Many are working collaboratively with specialist consultants to examine strategies and tactics for reopening. Bartlett Mitchell being a good example – Future workplace catering forecast.
One thing is for sure, and that is health and safety will be paramount. Everyone working in hospitality will need to know that their workplace is safe to return to, and then operate from.
We anticipate that specialist cleaning businesses will be in high demand. One such business now specialising in Covid-19 cleaning is Two Services, who have been cleaning hospitality businesses since 1986.
Another is Meiko UK who specialise in warewashing and are a service led business. Meiko UK, MD, Paul Anderson spoke with us saying: “We will adapt and support the market as we enter the return, and like others measure and react to what is asked of us. Added value will be key and will be a focus of our support to all.”
The people who will have to be most confident of all hospitality propositions as we enter into a reopening phase will be UK consumers.
YouGov recently conducted a survey with UK consumers to gauge confidence in returning to visit hospitality providers. The results can be seen here – Hospitality adapting to survive.
There is much to consider as we look forward to reopening, and considered reopening will be vital to success in the new world of hospitality in the UK.
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