Retail and hospitality sectors hit hard in second National Lockdown

Retail and Hospitality sectors were the most affected ones during the first lockdown. Was there enough time to prepare themselves for the second one without severe consequences both for companies and employers?

Brent Cross Shopping Center

Brent Cross Shopping Centre

From the 5th of November, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new national restrictions together with a 4-week lockdown for all UK, although stores can remain open for takeaway and click and collect.

According to the Trades Union Congress analysis, between July and September this year, 59,000 jobs for 16-to-24 year-olds were lost. Young adults are usually working in sectors such as retail and hospitality.

In 2019, the third-largest employer in the UK was the hospitality sector however since the beginning of the pandemic, according to the BBC, the UK's hospitality sector has lost 660,000 jobs.

In a national survey before the second lockdown, only 86% of UK businesses said they have the confidence to survive the next three months.