A takeaway in Musselburgh has announced staff shortages are pushing them to cut opening hours throughout the month of September.
East Coast, which sits on North High Street, operates as both as a seafood restaurant and fish and chip takeaway. The shortages will only be affecting the takeaway, while the restaurant will stay open as usual.
The team behind East Coast have emphasised that the alterations are temporary, and normal operating hours will return once staffing issues are dealt with. Since opening in 2018, the eatery has proved popular with locals and tourists alike.
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East Coast was a new venture for the Crolla family, who have been serving Musselburgh locals since 1974 - and rebranded for their 2018 opening.
Earlier this year, the East Lothian spot was branded one of the top 10 fish and chip shops in the UK by The Sunday Times. Beating out over 10,500 chippies from across the country, it was also the only fish and chip shop in Scotland to make the shortlist.
While many will be disappointed not to get their midweek treat, East Coast have confirmed they will be fully functional on the weekends.
Posting to their Instagram account, the eatery wrote: “We regret to inform you that due to temporary staff shortages between September 5 and September 25 our takeaway will only operate on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
“Our restaurant will operate as normal but please be advised you will not be able to order your takeaway via the restaurant. We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause but unfortunately this is out of our hands, thank you for your patience.”
Earlier this year, staff shortages in the hospitality industry reached ‘critical’ levels according to a survey from the UK’s trade bodies. Almost half of the operators in the country have seen trading hours cut, with one in three businesses closing ‘one or more days a week’.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics said 81 percent of businesses are looking to fill vacancies, mainly in front of house roles. In a joint statement, UK Hospitality, the British Institute of Innkeeping and the British Beer and Pub Association said: “These figures clearly show the danger to the industry and financial loss to the country via taxes posed by the current staffing crisis.
“In short, the recovery of both the sector and the UK economy are being threatened by this workforce shortage. Operators have been doing all they can to help solve the issue, from increasing wages to flexible working.
“However, this can only help so much - and the sector must be given targeted support in order to solve the crisis.”
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