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Chippies are ‘facing extinction’ due to the cost of living crisis
Over half of the UK’s chip shops have been forced to reduce their opening hours to save money
Fish and chip shops are teetering on extinction amid the cost of living crisis, an industry body has warned this week.
The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) is calling upon the government to cut VAT to help chippies up and down the country with their soaring energy bills, the BBC reports.
NFFF President Andrew Crook revealed that around 66% of chip shops have been forced to reduce their opening hours to save money, resulting in a fall in staffing levels of four people per shop.
He said: “Unfortunately this is potentially an extinction event for small businesses… It’s like nothing we’ve ever seen before.”
Sykes Fish and Chips / Facebook
The federation has secured a meeting with ministers today to push its message that the industry needs help.
A government spokesman said it is supporting businesses ‘of all sizes by slashing fuel duty’ and introducing a 50% business rates relief.
Read More: Three chippies from Greater Manchester named among the very best in UK
The spokesperson said: “We are working closely with industry to mitigate the impact our sanctions against Russia may have on British businesses, including through the creation of the £100m UK Seafood Fund.
“We’re already supporting businesses of all sizes by slashing fuel duty, introducing a 50% business rates relief for eligible high street businesses and put the brakes on bill increases by freezing the business rates multiplier – worth £4.6 billion over the next five years.”
@chipsno8 / Instagram
In a bid to help struggling chippies, vinegar brand Sarson’s launched its #SarsonsFryday campaign at the start of the month, which has seen hundreds of dinners be reimbursed throughout August.
Bryan Carroll, Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Sarson’s, said: “The rising cost of living means we’re naturally all looking for ways to cut down our expenses, and sadly, one of the first thing that consumers cut back on is meals out and takeaways, leaving many of our favourite chippies at risk.
“As we enjoy the warmer weather, we wanted to help the nation support their local so we’re making everyone’s favourite day of the week even better with #SarsonsFryday.
“Whether it’s a staycation with friends, seaside visit with the whole family or a quiet Friday night in, we want to make sure Brits can get their fish and chip fix – so this summer, it’s on us!”