Sirius News Bulletin - 26th July 2021
This bulletin provides a summary of topical news, announcements and policy developments affecting business across the UK.
Hospitality
Strategy to help pandemic recovery
The Government has announced that a new Hospitality Sector Council will be set up to oversee a new hospitality strategy. The strategy will ensure that England’s pubs, bars and restaurants can thrive long term and adapt to consumer demands.
Read more about the strategy at: www.gov.uk/government/news/new-hospitality-strategy-to-help-pubs-bars-and-restaurants-build-back-better from-the-pandemic
Restaurants
Google ratings more important for restaurants
According to research from Durham University Business School, a positive Google review rating from customers is more important for restaurants, and more likely to draw in customers, than a good health and safety rating.
Read more about the research at: https://catererlicensee.com/google-customer-ratings-more-important-for-restaurants-than—hygiene-ratings
Groceries
Cost regulation will mean higher prices
The Food and Drink Federation has warned that consumers could see their grocery shopping increase by £160 per year if manufacturers are forced to absorb the cost of proposed Government policies.
Read moreaboutthecostat: www.retailtimes.eo.uk/food-and-drink-federation-cost-of-government-regulation-will-mean-higher-food-prices for-consu mers
Hybrid working to benefit retailers
Local high streets could see 17,000 new stores open over the next 12 months. Research by Barclays found that home and hybrid working patterns are likely to encourage shoppers to use their local high streets instead of town and city centres.
Read the report at: www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2021/07/local-high-streets-cou ld-see-17000-new-stores-due-to-hybrid-working
Retail
Covid debt should be written off
Independent retailers need government help to survive after taking out huge amounts of debt during the pandemic. This is according to an independent review which revealed that small and independent retailers now owe four times as much as they did a year ago.
Read more about the review at: www.retailgazette.eo.uk/blog/grimsey-review-calls-for-write-off-of-1-7bn-covid-loan-debt-for-indie-retailers
Haulage
Support measures announced
The Government will introduce recruitment and retention measures to help ease pressure on the road haulage sector. The measures include working with industry leaders to attract new drivers, simplifying training and encouraging drivers to stay in the industry.
Read moreaboutthemeasuresat: www.gov.uk/government/news/government-announces-package-of-measures-to-support-road-haulage industry
Supermarkets
Flexibility over late-night deliveries
UK supermarkets will be granted flexibility over late-night deliveries to ensure shelves remain stocked despite the ongoing driver shortage crisis. The Government has urged local authorities to disregard rules restricting the number and time of deliveries for six months.
Read more about the announcement at: www.chargedretail.co.uk/2021/07/16/supermarkets-to-be-given-flexibiIity-over-late-nig ht-deliveries-amid-driver crisis
Increase in fatalities
A report by the Health and Safety Executive has revealed that 41 people were killed while working in the agriculture sector in 2020/21. This is double the amount recorded in 2019/20.
Read the report at: www.hse.gov.uk/agricultu re/pdf/agriculture-fataI-in juries-2021.pdf
Food assurance
New Red Tractor standards agreed
The UK’s largest food assurance scheme will be streamlined to meet changes in consumer demand. The new Red Tractor standards include changes to vermin control standards and new standards which cover animal welfare.
Read more aboutthe standards at: www.farminguk.com/news/new-red-tractor-standards-agreed-after-major-consultation 58618.html
Green economy
Guidance on carbon capture technologies
The Environment Agency has published guidance on carbon capture as part of government plans to capture 10Mt of carbon dioxide a year by 2030. The guidance will help businesses understand how the environmental regulations and standards are applied.
Read more about the guidance at: www.gov.uk/government/news/guidance-published-on-new-carbon-capture-technologies
Sector profile published
A report examining employment issues in the door supervision sector has been published by the Security Industry Authority. The report has revealed that the number of door supervisor licences and licence applications is at the highest level in 10 years but the sector is struggling with worker retention.
Read more about the report at: www.gov.uk/ government/news/sia-publishes-secto r-profile-on-recruitment-and-retention-in-the-door supervision-sector
Reforms to protect customers
Businesses in the used car and home improvement sectors will have to take part in mediation if there is a dispute with a consumer, under reforms announced by the Government. The reforms will also effect prepayment schemes, subscriptions and online ratings.
Read more about the reforms at: www.gov.uk/government/news/ministers-seek-to-stamp-out-rip-offs-with-new-consumer-protections
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