CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Scottish hospitality sector launches Save our Jobs campaign

Some of the top names in Scottish hospitality have launched a new ‘Save Our Jobs’ campaign calling for urgent support from Westminster and Holyrood to safeguard up to 100,000 jobs.

Scottish hospitality sector launches Save our Jobs campaign

Article Source: Taste Communications
Last Updated: 22 October 2020 14:25

Some of the top names in Scottish hospitality have launched a new ‘Save Our Jobs’ campaign calling for urgent support from Westminster and Holyrood to safeguard up to 100,000 jobs before the nationwide furlough scheme comes to an end in just 10 days’ time on 31st October.

Michelin star chef Tom Kitchin, Nic Wood of pub and bar collection Signature Group, James Thomson of Prestonfield and The Witchery, Edinburgh’s Carina Contini and the Scotland-wide Crerar Hotels group are leading the campaign to appeal for urgent support from government before it’s too late.

Hospitality workers have shared their ‘Save Our Jobs’ selfies on social media using the hashtags #SaveOurJobs and #ScottishHospitality to highlight the faces behind the jobs under threat.

Support has been drawn from across Scotland with hoteliers, restaurateurs, publicans and café owners joining forces in a drive to raise awareness of the scale of the crisis facing the industry. Many business owners are worried that they are running out of time to save vital jobs, many of which are held by people aged between 16 and 24 years old.

People aged between 16 to 24 years old currently make up 50% of the hospitality workforce in Scotland, however, since February, youth unemployment has risen from 6.1% to 14.5% in Scotland.

The ‘Save Our Jobs’ campaign is also keen to raise awareness of that scale of jobs at risk with restrictions not just affecting hospitality venues but the whole supply chain that depends on the industry, such as Scottish food and drink producers, logistical services and maintenance support.

Industry leaders not only believe that more clarity is needed from the Scottish Government on who and when businesses will benefit from the funding made available, but that further financial compensation is required to protect jobs across Scotland.

The hospitality industry are also calling to the government to find practical, evidence based solutions to remain open whilst keeping their staff and customers safe.

Michelin star restaurateur and owner of Edinburgh’s The Kitchin, Tom Kitchin said: “We’re in really challenging times as an industry and now is the time to act. The impact this situation is having not just on Scottish hospitality but also on our supply chain is enormous. I was speaking to a supplier yesterday and he was in tears. Many producers and even members of our team are in great stress and I have serious concerns for their health and well-being if this carries on. Everyone linked to our industry is affected by the restrictions and curfews and hospitality and tourism being such important corner stones of the economy cannot be wiped out.

“Our industry is in a real need of help, especially having only just partly recovered from the first lockdown. We have worked so hard to keep our guests and diners safe in hospitality settings, taking all safety precautions needed to remain safe while enjoying good food and drink. Eliminating the risks of the virus is obviously our greatest concern, but there need to be a balance. For the hospitality future of Scotland.”


Carina Contini is Owner of Contini George Street, Edinburgh; Cannonball Restaurant & Bar, Castlehill, Edinburgh; and The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant - located at the gardens entrance of the Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh. She said: “This virus has created a health and social imbalance. Our elderly have suffered hugely in both loss of their community and their well-being. The youth have suffered socially with their learning and friendships being hit the hardest.

“But the business imbalance affecting hospitality today which is being hit so much harder than many other professions will cause an even greater long term harm.

“Our Hospitality teams, made up of all ages are losing their livelihoods. Our suppliers are being hugely affected. Supermarkets are not picking up the smaller artisans suppliers that feed the independent hospitality market. Our high streets are losing their heart and soul as meeting places for family, friends and businesses.

“Our youth are losing out on the part-time jobs we have always provided for all future carriers from accountants to ballerinas.

“Our family businesses are losing their life-long investments. We are one of the largest contributors to all sectors of our community and economy. We need support to be able to fuel the nation’s recovery. Don’t allow all this good to be lost. It will be a much harder medicine to swallow that any virus.”


James Thomson, Owner of Edinburgh’s Prestonfield House and The Witchery said: “Earlier this year I made the incredibly difficult decision to close The Tower in Edinburgh which I had had the pleasure to operate for 22 years. Due to the impact of Covid-19, we had to permanently close our doors which absolutely broke my heart. This resulted in a number of unavoidable redundancies which was a huge blow to all of us and the many suppliers and their staff whom we supported. I’m now very concerned that without adequate support, many hospitality venues will face the same future.

“For years hospitality has faced a shortage of staff and just before the pandemic we were in a very positive position of having some exceptional members of staff . To date we have already lost 52 loyal staff and have another 80 events staff who have been forced to live on furloughed pay since March due to forced closure of events. I now fear losing many more of them and going right back to square one when happier days return.”


Nic Wood, Owner of Scotland’s leading pub, bar and restaurant collection, Signature Group said: “We hope this campaign will drive awareness to the plight of our young workforce as their employment prospects dwindle. We care about every member of our team and to not be able to save every job causes us a huge amount of distress. With the appropriate measures, hospitality can be a covid secure environment so we want to press that with the right support, the industry can reopen safely, thus protecting jobs.”

To show your support for the ‘Save Our Jobs’ campaign, share your thoughts and photos on social media using the hashtag #SaveOurJobs and #ScottishHospitality.

Image:
Top (L-R) Tom Kitchin (The Kitchin Edinburgh) and James Thomson (Prestonfield and The Witchery Edinburgh),
Bottom (L-R) Carina Contini (Contini Edinburgh) and Nic Wood (Signature Group Scotland)

Sponsored Links

The Quay
Paisley First
Paisley Town Hall Wedding Fayre
Link
Media Shop
Renfrewshire Council

Latest Renfrewshire News

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.

READ MORE
Jason Manford to play Paisley Town Hall as part of tour

Jason Manford to play Paisley Town Hall as part of tour

Comedian, actor, singer and presenter is latest big name to announce date at venue.

READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

READ MORE
Set sail for Paisley and enjoy a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas!

Set sail for Paisley and enjoy a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas!

Ahoy there mateys! The Pirates of Paisley is this year's must visit FREE summer brick adventure!

READ MORE
Paisley Town Hall bells mark Imagination Library becoming permanent

Paisley Town Hall bells mark Imagination Library becoming permanent

Much loved reading programme, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Renfrewshire, celebrated becoming permanent with bell chimes.

READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

READ MORE
Crowds celebrate the summer at Barshaw Gala Day

Crowds celebrate the summer at Barshaw Gala Day

Thousands turned out to celebrate summer at Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day.

READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

READ MORE
Grab your free reusable cup!

Grab your free reusable cup!

Fancy grabbing a free reusable takeaway cup and then getting a discount on your next drink from some of our local cafes?

READ MORE
Thorn Athletic and Inchinnan Development Trust to create brand new artificial pitches in Renfrewshire

Thorn Athletic and Inchinnan Development Trust to create brand new artificial pitches in Renfrewshire

Two major community sports projects in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a significant funding boost.

READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

READ MORE
Refurbished play park is a big success with local pupils

Refurbished play park is a big success with local pupils

Pupils from Auchenlodment Primary School in Johnstone gave their refurbished play park a big thumbs up after it underwent a major upgrade earlier this year.

READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

READ MORE
Clan Wrestling returns to Braehead Arena with former WWE Champions

Clan Wrestling returns to Braehead Arena with former WWE Champions

After their first event in March, Clash of the Clans, Clan Wrestling makes its return to Braehead Arena on Saturday 6th September for its second event!

READ MORE
Renfrewshire invited to honour Armed Forces community

Renfrewshire invited to honour Armed Forces community

The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised outside Renfrewshire House on Friday in a short service to mark Armed Forces Day.

READ MORE
Works set to be undertaken to restore historic Kilbarchan Steeple buildings

Works set to be undertaken to restore historic Kilbarchan Steeple buildings

Councillors have agreed a £350,000 contract to carry out repairs to the historic Kilbarchan Steeple Buildings.

READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!

READ MORE
Young people to choose their winners as Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund voting opens

Young people to choose their winners as Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund voting opens

Voting has opened for this year's Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund as young people get the chance to vote for the projects they think will make the most difference in their communities.

READ MORE
Get set for summer at Barshaw Gala Day

Get set for summer at Barshaw Gala Day

Crowds are set to soak up the summer vibes at Barshaw Gala Day with an afternoon packed full of exciting activities for all the family!

READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.

READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.

READ MORE
XSite Braehead accelerates into summer with a major car event

XSite Braehead accelerates into summer with a major car event

On Saturday, 28th June, Chrome 'n' Classics will host its annual event in the XSite car park for the first time – showcasing over 200 classic, custom, American, and vintage cars!

READ MORE
Programme revealed for the 2025 Sma Shot Day celebrations

Programme revealed for the 2025 Sma Shot Day celebrations

Paisley town centre will host a day-long programme of entertainment this summer to celebrate Sma' Shot Day – one of the world's oldest worker's festivals.

READ MORE
Ready, Steady, Go! Paisley CarFest is back this weekend!

Ready, Steady, Go! Paisley CarFest is back this weekend!

Paisley's CarFest is returning to Paisley town centre this Saturday, 14th June, with a fun day out for all the family guaranteed!

READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.

READ MORE
Star supporting Gary Barlow visits Kibble kids in Paisley for music session

Star supporting Gary Barlow visits Kibble kids in Paisley for music session

Rising music star and Channel 4's The Piano winner Brad Kella visited Kibble's Goudie Academy to meet with care-experienced young people, share his story and inspire the next generation of musicians.

READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.

READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.

READ MORE
Local people invited to have their say on proposed Brown Institute garden

Local people invited to have their say on proposed Brown Institute garden

Renfrewshire Council is inviting local residents, businesses and partners to have their say on proposals for a public garden on the site of the former Brown Institute in Renfrew.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Renfrewshire Council
St Columba's School
One Ren
One Ren
ATG
Go Radio
Hostelworld

Sponsored Links

The Quay
Paisley First
Paisley Town Hall Wedding Fayre
Link
Media Shop
Renfrewshire Council
Renfrewshire Council
St Columba's School
One Ren
One Ren
ATG
Go Radio
Hostelworld

Popular Events

Boogie & Brunch at IKEA Glasgow (Adults Only)
Get ready to take a chance on the most joyful brunch of the season... introducing ABBA Brunch at IKEA Glasgow!
Renfrewshire Ladies (Chat, Meet-up) Meet & Greet Session
Come along to La Creme in Bridge Of Weir and meet other ladies from the Renfrewshire Ladies (Chat, Meet-up) Facebook Group in a relaxed, informal setting.
Crown Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Crown Ballet return to Paisley Town Hall in October to enchant you with the delightful production of The Nutcracker, a wonderful treat full of glitter for the whole family!
XSite Funfair
The XSite Funfair returns for the summer holidays with the new Surge, Miami, Twister, the one and only Starfighter and the apple rollercoaster!
Night Waking
A darkly funny and deeply unsettling one-woman play is coming to Beacon Arts Centre. Night Waking is an urgent, razor-sharp meditation on motherhood, colonialism, and the things we leave behind.

Popular Listings

Beacon Arts Centre Braehead Arena Johnstone Town Hall Old Swan Inn Paisley Paisley Abbey Paisley Arts Centre Paisley Town Hall Robertson Park Renfrew The Bungalow Paisley Venue Paisley