Industry support charity Hospitality Action is calling for emergency funds in order to help chefs, waiting staff, and others in the sector who have found themselves facing financial hardship due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The government’s latest advice telling the public to avoid public spaces, including communal spots such as restaurants, pubs, theatres, and cinemas, has left many with low to no footfall, and no sales as a result.

While the Treasury has promised loans to businesses in need, there are countless hospitality workers now without work, many unpaid.

In response, Hospitality Action has launched an appeal for funds to provide financial relief to those most in need. Chefs such as Richard Corrigan, Angela Hartnett, Tom Brown, Paul Ainsworth, and the charity’s Principal Patron, Jason Atherton, have called on the public to help.

Hospitality Action CEO, Mark Lewis commented: ​ “While we welcome the government’s recent announcements around a degree of support for business, the reality for many in the industry today is bleak with many facing a reduction in their working hours or a sudden and complete loss of income.

“Every penny donated to our appeal will go towards helping hospitality workers and their families avoid destitution. We can’t help everybody, and our fund isn’t a long term solution, but we hope it’ll provide a degree of protection for some workers while they apply for government help.”