A more restricted tier system may be the final nail in the coffin for thousands of SMEs in the hospitality industry. As the government is failing to offer a viable support structure at this critical stage of the COVID pandemic. The news has left the hospitality community frustrated with many fearing that they are approaching the point of no return financially. The news of the vaccine however is seen by many as a sign of hope as this may be the key to returning to normal day-to-day trading. With the announcement that the vaccine is able to prevent up to 90% of infections this may be the breakthrough that is needed to allow the UK as a whole to return to normal life.

There was however little cause for celebration for some as Boris Johnson unveiled his winter COVID plan. The new, tougher tier system which allows little freedom for SMEs still within the higher tiers will not be pleased to know that they are still limited to informal takeaway services only. A highlight of the announcement however was non-essentially shops being given the green light to reopen in some areas in time for late Christmas shopping allowing some to try and generate as many sales as possible before the new year arrives. The restrictions have also been loosened on salons, gyms, hairdressers, barbers and local sports which will be welcomed by all as the second national lockdown comes to an end.

Some areas of Kent and the midlands are likely to remain in the two higher tier level restrictions due to the infection rate still being very high compared to the rest of the UK. The prime minister has urged for one final united push during the cold period to really stamp out the virus as plans for the vaccine to be distributed across the UK begins.

Despite the benefits the new tiered system may have - this plan will have such a damaging effect on employment across the country. Employers will be once again stuck in the dilemma of how much stock to order, how to promote their availability or the amount of staff to furlough as prime examples as restrictions vary once again. Unless targeted support is rolled out by the government many SMEs will close during the winter period as their ability to make substantial profit is restricted. The self employed support schemes will also come into question at this stage, has enough been done by the government to support those in desperate need of financial aid?

The vaccine appears to be the light at the end of the dark covid tunnel but there is still a period of fighting for survival for some before the recovery process begins next year. The main priority has to be a unified effort to reduce the infection rate, slow the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and inevitably save lives. We cannot forget however how the hospitality industry is walking a tightrope in regards to survival and the government must do all it can to ensure the community is still standing when the pandemic is over.