Research from global software provider Fourth also revealed there has been a fall of more than a quarter (26%) in overall staff head count since November 2019.

The workforce across the industry reduced by 4% in November, compared to a drop of 7% in October while the number of hours worked across the sector was 75% lower compared to November 2019.

Sector recruitment also saw a downturn in the month when national lockdown restrictions were imposed, with a drop of 59% compared to October.

Good practices

The data, which was aggregated from analysis of more than 700 firms across the pub, bar, restaurant and quick-service restaurant sectors found a further 9,845 workers across the trade lost their jobs in November, representing 4% of the total workforce.

However, this was the smallest drop in workforce numbers since the summer (June), which Fourth stated suggested the furlough extension until March 2021 is protecting some hospitality jobs.

Fourth EMEA managing director Sebastian Sepierre said: “While these figures continue to make for bleak reading, it is encouraging to see hospitality businesses are continuing to battle on through the pandemic, with the data suggesting the sector was perhaps better prepared for the second national lockdown.

“This could be because good practices that were put in place in the spring, most notably around delivery could be rolled out again from the get-go.”

Reducing redundancies

He added: “This time of year usually brings with it a mammoth recruitment drive, as operators gear up for the busy festive schedule.