Scottish hospitality needs more support, says UKH

UKHospitality is calling on the Scottish government to provide further financial support after Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday (2 February) that there would be no easing of restrictions in the short term.

The first minister said restrictions will remain in place until the end of February and would remain unlikely until a critical proportion of the population are vaccinated.

Willie Macleod, executive director for UKHospitality Scotland, said: “Today’s statement by the First Minister was not surprising, but it was still disappointing for a sector in turmoil. Despite mounting evidence that hospitality businesses are not a major source of infection, the pathway for reopening the sector is no clearer.

“We appreciate that it is not possible for the Scottish Government to give a definitive date upon which businesses may be able to reopen, but we do need to have some understanding of the circumstances which might permit it. Businesses need to plan for their recovery.”

He added: “With no easing of restrictions likely to happen soon, support for businesses must be sustained. Many businesses will not be able to survive much longer without substantial financial support.

“Each business that fails means more jobs lost in Scotland and the task of recovery made all the more difficult.”