BUSINESSES in Weymouth are being forced to close because they are unable to recruit staff amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The issue, which is replicated across Dorset and the rest of the country, is affecting pubs, restaurants and the hospitality trade - as well as factories and warehouses - among others.
It has caused The Rendezvous bar and nightclub to temporarily close its doors - while local restaurants are having to reduce opening hours.
Karen Wisbey, business manager of Frontline Recruitment in Weymouth, said the lack of workers is causing 'a huge, huge headache'.
"If a queue of 50 people turned up outside our offices today, I could find vacancies for every single one of them," she said.
"People in hospitality are getting so much grief as they've had to close due to not having enough staff; people are having to do double shifts.
"It's also causing huge issues in factories and warehouses - pretty much every industry is suffering.
"It's not just Weymouth, it's everywhere. We've got clients where office staff are working on the shop floor, it's that bad. A lot of our roles are not on a bus route which also does not help - you cannot get a direct bus from Weymouth to Bridport unless it’s the X53."
She said she thinks the situation may get even worse after 'Freedom Day' on Monday.
"I think it will get worse - when places like nightclubs reopen, employees who were not on furlough may now be working elsewhere, so they're not going to get their staff back."
She added: "The issue has been an absolute nightmare across the temping side of things but it's just started to impact permanent roles as well - from engineering through to general admin. People are wary of changing jobs not knowing what will happen with furlough if there's another lockdown."
A spokeperson for The Rendezvous said the venue has had to close its doors as a direct result of the issue and is not in the process of contacting people who had booked.
They commented: “Unfortunately due to staff shortages, as a result of following strict Government guidance, we have had to temporarily close as we are unable to currently provide the level of service that our customers have come to expect from our venue.
“We are in the process of contacting all of our customers who have made bookings or reservations to make alternative arrangements. We advise our customers to continue to keep an eye on our social media pages for updates or contact our customer services team on 03300 949251 or email us at central.sales@stonegatepubs.com. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.”
Also affected is Hamiltons Italian Restaurant at Brunswick Terrace, near Weymouth Esplanade.
Proprietor Marco D’Agostino said: "It's certainly causing a headache for us - although we've been fairly lucky to have kept on several loyal members of staff."
Meanwhile, Barry Whettingsteel of The Crow's Nest in Hope Square said the business has struggled to recruit kitchen staff. "On the flip side, we were very lucky to keep all of our awesome front of house team and even gained a few new ones," he added.
Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce president Craig Oakes said: “There’s real concern among local pubs, bars and restaurants.
“The staff shortage has been well documented nationally and affects a range of sectors, not just hospitality - but locally, I’m speaking to businesses who are having to reduce opening hours because they’re just not able to find waiting staff, or are having to take on people who are inexperienced.”
Due to the shortage, the Chamber is now urging diners and drinkers to be "respectful" whilst visiting the town's hospitality businesses.
"Many are not necessarily ready for the busy season due to these issues,” Mr Oakes added.
The issue comes despite unemployment remaining high in the local area - leading to speculation that people in receipt of Universal Credit may be reluctant to take up jobs. It is understood that since covid took hold last year, the Department for Work and Pensions has not stipulated that Universal Credit claimants must look for work as a condition of receiving benefits.
However there is no definitive answer on what is causing the issue. Other causes being cited range from Brexit, to health concerns, people upskilling, and the mental health impacts of the pandemic.
Is your business among those affected? Get in touch: ellie.maslin@dorsetecho.co.uk
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