A new survey by Restaurants Canada has revealed that approximately 800,000 foodservice jobs were lost last month due to Covid-19 crisis.
Representing restaurants nationwide, the association has warned that seven out of ten foodservice operators will further reduce their workforce if the current situation continues.
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The survey comes at a time when the number of Covid-19 cases has crossed 11,000 in Canada as the restaurant and foodservice sector struggles to revive the business.
Restaurants Canada has discovered that approximately one out of ten restaurants in Canada has already closed permanently. Another 18% may further stop operations in a month if the situation does not improve.
Restaurants Canada president and CEO Shanna Munro said: “Not only was our industry among the first to feel the impacts of Covid-19, we have been one of the hardest-hit so far with nearly two-thirds of our workforce now lost.
“In our 75 years of existence as Canada’s national foodservice association, these are by far the worst numbers we have ever seen.”
Overall, Canada’s foodservice industry employs approximately 1.2 million people and contributes C$93bn to the economy.
Currently, Restaurant Canada is working with the authorities to provide relief to foodservice businesses. Measures include relaxing rent payments and facilitating access to working capital.
Restaurants Canada Federal and Quebec vice-president David Lefebvre said: “Restaurants have played an essential role during this crisis but are also uniquely challenged by the impacts of Covid-19.
“We are encouraged by relief measures introduced so far that have shown the concerns of foodservice are being heard. Without the steps already taken, the impacts on our industry would be even more devastating.”A new survey by Restaurants Canada has revealed that approximately 800,000 foodservice jobs were lost last month due to Covid-19 crisis.
