In March 2021, PASC UK and the ASSC gathered data about the various business support grant schemes across the UK, due to many self-catering operators highlighting concerns about the eligibility criteria associated with the grants from the UK, Scottish and Welsh Governments in particular, as well as inability to access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme or Self-Employed Income Support Scheme from the UK Government.
The online survey elicited 1395 responses from self-caterers in England, Scotland and Wales, from both PASC, ASSC members and non-members alike, across the UK’s local authority areas.
59% of responses were from members of PASC UK or the ASSC. 41% of responses were from non-members.
It is hoped that the survey results will inform greater discussion regarding the support provided to self-catering operators in the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Key findings include:
- A good proportional split of responses were from across the UK, predominantly from rural locations with 47.38% being from England, 38.63% from Scotland and 15.63% from Wales.
- NOTE: the survey did not extend to operators in Northern Ireland due to limitations in sources for circulation.
- The majority of self-catering businesses have been running for at least 6 years. A large proportion of self-catering businesses have been running for 11 to 20 years or more, with some operating over 40 years.
- Over 46% of respondents have either had signs of mental health or are experiencing some form of anxiety or depression, there is evidence of the impact of the Covid-19 crisis being felt across the sector.
- Currently there is a mixed picture in terms of business confidence, with 38% of respondents being somewhat optimistic and 20% somewhat pessimistic and almost 27% taking a neutral view at the moment, not knowing what to expect.
Download the report: