90 more job losses have been announced in the hospitality sector this afternoon, with Coronavirus fears forcing many businesses to take extreme action.
The Kane Group, a major Northern Irish business which runs several bars and eateries in Belfast city centre, has today announced that 90 staff members will be laid off, with the hospitality industry facing a major crisis at this time.
The job losses will affect staff at some of Belfast’s most well-known bars, including The Spaniard, Muriel’s Cafe and The Jeggy Nettle.
In a statement, The Kane Group wrote: “It is with the deepest regret that we have been forced into the position to lay-off 90 staff from the Kane Group: The Spaniard, Muriel’s Cafe Bar, Pablos, Panama City Garden Cafe, The Jeggy Nettle and The Chester Bar.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our hardworking staff, loyal customers and suppliers for their support. We will re-group and hope to see you in the future once Covid-19 abates.
“Janine & Christine Kane, The Kane Group”
The news comes just days after the Beannchor Group, which owns Belfast city centre bars such as The National and Dirty Onion, and hotels The Merchant and Bullitt, announced 800 job losses.
Beannchor Managing Director, Bill Wolsey said: “Never in forty three years of business have I seen a crisis like this one, nor faced a decision like this. This has been an emotional and extremely tough decision but if we do not act now, we will not have a business to return to.
"We have made this decision because we feel we have to act responsibly in the best longer term interests of the group and its staff.”
