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Hospitality businesses across Victoria suffer losses from worsening post-pandemic staff shortages
More hospitality businesses across Victoria are today reporting losses due to the worsening post-pandemic staffing shortages in the industry.
Pubs, cafes and bakeries in Bendigo have had to cut back their opening hours because they can't find enough workers. It follows similar reports from well-known Melbourne eateries Ladro and Entrecote. Deputy Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Steph Ryan said it reinforced the need for incentives to attract Victorians into hospitality and accommodation.
The past 18 months have been tough for the hospitality industry who have suffered through extended lockdowns and restrictions, the released grants and programs to support small businesses as they reopen are needed
Thousands of workers forced to leave
Ms Ryan said, "Lockdown after lockdown saw thousands of workers forced to leave the industry in search of more certain work, but not enough have returned. Who can blame workers for leaving the industry when Labor's lockdowns and yo-yoing restrictions left them unable to pay the bills?"
"This is why the Liberals and Nationals are calling on the Government to fund a sign-on bonus for new staff to take up jobs that desperately need to be filled. Unless the Victorian Government adopts new ideas to attract and retain workers, we'll continue to see venues cut back their opening hours at a time when so many Victorians are eager to support local businesses to recover." Ms Ryan said.
Sign-on bonuses to new staff
The Liberals and Nationals have listened to the sector and developed a plan to offer sign-on bonuses to new staff until June 30, 2022. In metropolitan Melbourne, new employees would receive $250 after 10 days of work within a 30-day period and a further $250 after another 30 days work within a 90-day period.
In regional Victoria, $500 should be paid after 10 days of work within a 30-day period and a further $500 after another 30 days of work within a 90-day period.
Pictures from Business Victoria Facebook page.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: news@gippsland.com
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