The Scottish Hospitality Group (SHG) is calling for an industry-specific recovery plan to give businesses a chance of recuperating to pre-pandemic levels.
Following first minster Nicola Sturgeon confirming a lifting of most Covid restrictions from 9th August, there is still no clear strategy for the sector that has been so significantly impacted by restrictions over the past 18 months.
UK government business minister Paul Scully launched the UK Hospitality Strategy last month, outlining plans for the three ‘Rs’: reopening, recovery and resilience, which will support workers back into jobs, focus on training to match the industry’s digital transformation, offer support for rent management and promote the trade internationally to build back.
The Scottish Hospitality Group is calling for a similar plan of action that encourages employees back into the sector, creates sustainable long-term jobs, improves city centres, and sets out a strategy for future-proofing after extended closures.
Stephen Montgomery of Scottish Hospitality Group said, “Scotland is moving in the right direction and we welcome the easing of restrictions, but it needs to go further. We need a recovery plan now that will entice people back into the sector and give them confidence that they are entering a stable industry again. The lockdown has shown how hospitality can adapt in city centres and we are willing to put our weight behind new ways of operating, but we need support behind us to ensure that there are long-term solutions supported by the country and we are not left on our own again.”