KFC to hire 5,400 new workers despite ‘extremely difficult year’ for hospitality October 23, 2020 Fast food chain KFC has announced plans to hire 5,400 new workers in the UK and Ireland by the end of the year, signalling confidence in the hospitality industry despite an “extremely difficult year” for the sector. KFC, which has already employed more than 4,300 new team members since the start of lockdown, said the [...]
The future of buildings in the age of Covid-19 October 23, 2020 Pandemics shape cities. Cholera, for example, led to the creation of London’s sewage systems in the 1830s. Of course, it is a brave person who is prepared to make predictions at a time like this. In fact, it has become almost a truism to say that we live in “uncertain times”. None of us, after [...]
When will the government stop hanging bars out to dry? October 23, 2020 “Dreadful evening, so many bookings cancelled, sent half the staff home” “So many cancellations after new announcements — no way we could police it.” “Much, much lower takings, any good momentum we had is gone.” This is the real, unfiltered voice of the hospitality industry. These direct quotes from our bars’ manager reports last Saturday [...]
Deal or no deal, reports of London’s death are greatly exaggerated October 23, 2020 London has for many years enjoyed the reputation as the world’s leading financial centre. Only New York has ever come close to challenging the capital’s crown — and since 2015 London has generally topped all the rankings. In that time, though, every paean to London’s preeminence has carried the gloomy caveat: “until Brexit”. The received [...]
Business bodies slam government’s TfL bailout conditions as a ‘mockery’ October 21, 2020 London business bodies have slammed the government’s demands for a potential bailout for Transport for London (TfL) as a “mockery”, accusing ministers of “railroading” policy through while the transport network is on its knees during the pandemic. Ministers last night threatened to take direct control of TfL unless London mayor Sadiq Khan accepts a raft [...]
Khan accuses PM of ‘blatant lie’ in tit-for-tat over TfL bailout October 21, 2020 Sadiq Khan has accused the government of “lying” and playing “party political games” during Transport for London (TfL) bailout talks, sparking a tit-for-tat with the Prime Minister over the future of the ailing transport network. The London mayor told TfL’s board meeting today that the government wrote a “blank cheque without conditions” when giving emergency [...]
Ready to order? Business lunches may be exempt from new Tier 2 restrictions October 21, 2020 City restaurants are preparing to allow business lunches to resume after legal advice suggested work meetings are allowed at hospitality venues under an exemption to Tier 2 restrictions. The rules, which came into effect last weekend, mean people cannot mix with another household in pubs or restaurants. The hospitality sector has already warned that a [...]
Snakes and Ladders: Who is moving jobs in the City this week? October 21, 2020 Snakes and Ladders provides a roundup of the most important hires and job moves across the City, every Wednesday afternoon. Email citymoves@cityam.com to be featured. City firms are continuing to adapt to the challenges and opportunities presented by the pandemic as they vie to be in prime position to recover from the economic fallout of [...]
Think tank: London may need £440m a month if put into Tier 3 restrictions October 21, 2020 London would need more than £400m a month from the government if it is plunged into Tier 3 and if the city makes the same funding requests as Manchester, according to a top think tank. The Centre for Cities has calculated the capital would need £112.4m for every week it is in the top band [...]
Exclusive: London restaurant spend topped 2019 before new restrictions October 21, 2020 Spending at restaurants, pubs and bars in London climbed above 2019 levels for the first time during the coronavirus pandemic before new restrictions were put in place, data provided exclusively to City A.M has shown. Food and beverage spending was 1.7 per cent higher in September than a year earlier, according to Fable Data, which [...]