The nightclub industry has become the latest to be hit in the UK’s supply crisis – with bosses calling for urgent government action due to a shortage of bouncers.
Industry leaders have warned the issue could become a “threat to public safety” as some venues are struggling to find security staff.
Security worker numbers have become depleted as many left the industry while clubs were closed throughout the pandemic for jobs with preferable hours, while exiting EU workers also added to the problem.
The NTIA said last month that one in five nightlife and hospitality businesses closed or reduced operating hours due to a shortage of security staff.
However, it said the situation has “deteriorated further” as demand continues to soar from customers keen to enjoy a night out following the easing of lockdown measures.
Bosses at nightclub operator Rekom UK and bar chain Revolution have said the shortage is a pressing concern.
Peter Marks, chief executive of 42-site business Rekom UK, which runs brands including Pryzm and Atik, said the problem had been “building slowly but has become so much worse since the pandemic”.
He said: “It’s been a real struggle at times but we’ve fortunately often been able to push back with security agencies to find the teams we need just in time.
“But even then, on one or two occasions we’ve had to limit numbers into venues because of security levels.
“We are in a particularly strong position though as we can agree to take on staff in larger numbers – this is particularly hitting independent clubs hard.”
Mr Marks added that the shortage has resulted in increasing fees for staff, as firms deal with a litany of other cost rises such as higher energy bills and rebounding VAT levels.
He said:…
Source : skynews
