Restaurant job losses in 2020 reach 22,000 – almost double 2019 figures

More than 22,000 jobs are believed to have been lost in the restaurant and casual dining sectors so far this year, almost double the entire number lost in 2019.

Figures compiled by the Centre for Retail Research (CRR) show that a total 22,039 jobs were lost across large restaurant groups and independent operators, up 95.4% on the 11,280 jobs shed in 2019.

Some major casual dining groups, including Byron, Casual Dining Group and Carluccio’s, have fallen into administration during the Covid-19 pandemic, with reduced portfolios taken forward by new owners, while others have looked to offload weaker sites in light of the virus’ impact as they look to reopen.

The CRR revealed the total number of closures has reached 1,467 in 2020, 59.1% higher than the 922 seen during the whole of 2019.