South Shields bar owners fear Covid restrictions could hit unless Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is extended

They fear sector job cuts and further heavy turnover losses unless the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – due to end next month – is extended.

It comes after South Tyneside venues were ordered to close from 10pm as part of restrictions imposed in part of North East on Friday, September 18, but are being extended across England.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the new measures, which also include table-only service, could remain in place for six months.

Russell Hall, owner of the Red Lion in Redcar Terrace, West Boldon, said: “Current safety measures mean I must employ someone for 10 hours a day just to police people coming in.

“July was a good month when we re-opened, and August was extremely busy, but we are now about 50 per cent down on that and 10pm closing isn't going to help.

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“People are afraid to come to the pub and no-one knows what the situation will be like in six months if these restrictions continue. I pray it’s not that long.

“If furlough ends in October then I will have to lose some staff, probably five from my team of 16, and these are skilled people.

“I simply won’t be able to keep them on, and so it would be great if furlough is extended – and I hope it is.

“The scheme has allowed me to keep people employed, it’s been great for me and for my staff.”

Borough pub and club entrepreneur Tony Singh confirmed extending the scheme would be a tremendous boost to the entertainment sector.

Mr Singh, who operates the Hedworth Hall venue in Dean Road, South Shields, added: “We will take a decision at the end of October about staying open.

“We are mainly a party and wedding venue and so the 10pm closure time won’t affect us that much, but new restrictions in the number of people who can gather together will.

“We’ve benefitted from the furlough scheme and it would be great if it was extended.

“Furlough was a great idea, and if the government extends it, then we will manage to keep paying people.”

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