120,000 restaurant jobs in jeopardy in Ireland because of Covid-19 crisis, plans for 0% rate of VAT
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The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) has said 120,000 jobs in the sector could be lost permanently in the coming two months if action is not taken to help it.
The organisation has put forward a nine-point Covid-19 Crisis Recovery Plan focusing on issues such as VAT reduction, rent measures and wage supports which it says will help save and recover the industry.
“Our plan which is the only viable solution for restaurants is on the desks of ministers and departments”, said Adrian Cummins, CEO of the RAI.
“We are seeking urgent action to save and recover our industry as nine out of ten restaurants face permanent closure in the months ahead without urgent action.”
The RAI says around 90% of restaurant here are currently closed.
It says that after listening to its 3,000-strong membership, it has devised a recovery plan which has been communicated to the Government, TDs, Senators and tourism leaders.
It has also been engaging at a European level with other members of the umbrella organisation for hotels, restaurants and cafes across the continent, Hospitality Europe.
The plan includes a call for a 0% rate of VAT for the duration of the crisis and the year after it, followed by a 9% rate for the next five years.
It wants banks to waive fees until a vaccine is found, as well as a moratorium on existing loan repayments and the application of ECB rates on loans.
