Hospitality experiencing lower turnover than expected

Just over 18% reported that turnover had not been affected, while only 8% reported that turnover was up on normal expectations.

The ONS data also revealed that cancellations were up the up between 10 January and 6 February 2022, with 37.3% reporting that cancellations had increased. This compared to 9.9% who reported they’d stayed the same and 1.9% of hospitality businesses that had found levels had decreased.

However, OpenTable has separately reported a six-percentage point increase in the number of seated diners in the week to 7 February 2022, compared to the previous seven days, it has been reported.

The ONS’s Business Insights and impact on the UK economy update yesterday also revealed that in mid-January around 3.5% of the workforce within the accommodation and foodservice sector were estimated to be on sick leave or not working because of Covid-19.

This compared to 2% of the total UK workforce overall – the lowest figure recorded since early December last year.