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The UK continues its steady emergence from lockdown. Shops, gyms and outdoor hospitality reopened in April, with hotels, cinemas and indoor dining now following suit. All being well, further restrictions could be lifted in June.
The lockdowns of the last year have undoubtedly benefited online grocers and food delivery services. But we’ve reached a crucial moment for the economy and for companies. This is the moment where we find out the extent of “pandemic fatigue” and the degree to which consumers are willing to get out and spend.
So far, the signs look very encouraging. Anyone trying to make a last-minute restaurant or pub booking for the early May bank holiday weekend would likely have been disappointed. Anecdotally, tables seem to be booked solid despite the changeable spring weather.
Jurrjens said that he could afford to pay the fees costing about $800 a month, but was disgusted at the principle of working in breach of the health advice. âJim has once again actively tried to interfere with the lockdown. Heâs told people to ignore the government directions and go out and work.
âHe just has no respect for the rule of law.â
Despite the company later backtracking, Jurrjens will not seek to regain his franchise.
âA stand has to be made at some point,â he said.
âItâs a national organisation acting as a Goliath to direct their Davids into a war front that they wonât be defended from.â
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Since reopening its branches across the UK, the chain said it had seen strong demand as membership jumped to 729,000 on May 24 from 547,000 at the end.