A call has gone out to the Government to allow workers in the hospitality industry to continue to work if they test negative for COVID-19.
Cumbria Tourism said businesses were dealing with the constant fear of having to deal with sudden staff shortages at a time when they should be celebrating reopening.
Alongside a severe ongoing recruitment crisis, with businesses operating at about 20 per cent below their employment needs, the so-called ‘pingdemic’ is often causing staff bubbles to self-isolate at extreme short notice, often leading to postponements, cancellations and even temporary closures, Cumbria Tourism said.
Jim Walker, Cumbria Tourism chairman, said: “It’s a glorious summer, the industry is permitted to open and visitors are desperate to enjoy our world-class hospitality. Instead, businesses have a constant fear of having to deal with a sudden staff shortage and the knock-on effects to productivity, customer satisfaction, reputation and morale.
“As an industry we have worked hard to put the safety of staff, visitors and communities first through a wide range of COVID-secure practices, yet a single ping can take us back to square one.
“That’s why we’re calling on the Government to allow the industry to bring back double vaccinated workers following a negative test, and potentially single vaccinated workers following two negative results.”
This request is the latest in a comprehensive campaign led by Cumbria Tourism.
It is working closely with industry leaders and Government representatives to help the industry recover, including a recent productive meeting with all five of the county’s Conservative MPs.
A lack of overseas staff due to international travel restrictions and recent immigration changes has also led to Cumbria Tourism calling for a seasonal worker scheme and creation of a short-term working visa initiative to help the industry recover to a post-Brexit world.
With chef positions in particular demand Cumbria Tourism is also campaigning to recognise the profession as a shortage skilled occupation for immigration purposes.
Mr Walker added: “It’s ridiculous, and quite frankly insulting, to classify chefs and other hospitality workers as unskilled.
“Cumbria is home to seven Michelin-starred restaurants, plus TripAdvisor’s 2021 Travellers’ Choice top restaurant in the world and that’s down to the dedication, skill and passion of our chefs, many of whom came here from abroad.
“This is a national crisis, but one which is disproportionally affecting rural visitor economies.
“We’re sticking to our pledge to support the industry, and businesses are bending over backwards to do their part – now it’s time for the Government to respond accordingly.”
