LONDON (UK) – Amid the new round of coronavirus curbs in Britain, pub operator Marston’s said on Thursday that as many as 2,150 employees currently on furloughs would be affected because of a drop of 30% in annual sales.
“The introduction of these further restrictions and guidance affecting pubs is hugely disappointing in view of a lack of clear evidence tying pubs to the recent increase in infection levels,” the firm said.
After the government introduced a 10 pm deadline for pubs, restaurants and other leisure businesses across the country last month, it is now closing pubs and bars in “very high” alert areas. Those in Liverpool were told to shut this week.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said on Wednesday that the capital city was likely to face tighter curbs later this week.
Earlier this year, Marston’s had furloughed 13,000 of its 14,000 employees. It said that the new rules undermined customer confidence and resulted in uncertainty.