UK: Charity Hospitality Action has launched an emergency appeal to support those affected by coronavirus, especially those working in restaurants and bars.
The campaign aims to provide financial relief to hospitality staff impacted by the wide-ranging venue closures across the country.
It follows news of the British government’s advice to avoid pubs, clubs and theatres, declared earlier this week.
Since then, Rishi Sunak has unveiled a £330 billion relief package for companies to access loans, extending the business rates holiday to all firms in the hospitality sector and funding grants of up to £25,000 for small businesses.
Hospitality Action’s CEO, Mark Lewis, said: “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.”
“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.”
The campaign has already received support from chefs Tom Brown, Angela Hartnett, Richard Corrigan, Paul Ainsworth, and the charity’s principal patron Jason Atherton.
Donations to the appeal can be made via the official website here.
Hospitality Action was established in 1837, offering assistance to all that work or have worked within hospitality in the UK.
