Events uncertainty sees job losses among Levy's casual workforce

Uncertainty around the future of sport and leisure events has seen contract caterer Levy, part of Compass UK & Ireland, dismiss some of its casual workers.

Employees of the sports and leisure caterer had been kept on under the furlough scheme, however the future for the sector was cast into further doubt when the government postponed planned tests of larger gatherings, which had been due to take place around the World Snooker Championship, Goodwood races and the Edgbaston cricket - although an earlier test run at Oval had been able to take place on 26-27 July.

A Levy UK spokesperson said: "The sports and leisure sector has been one of the most deeply impacted sectors as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. We have reviewed the likelihood of a return of sporting events, exhibitions and conferences on a site-by-site basis, working closely with our clients. With no catered sports or events taking place, or scheduled to do so for the foreseeable future, it is with deep regret that we have had to take the difficult decision to remove some of our casual workers from the furlough scheme. This is not a decision we have taken lightly, and we are working hard to redeploy teams where possible."

The Caterer understands that where possible those removed from furlough have been redeployed in the business and where this has not been possible, they have been entered into a pool of workers to be offered work as and when it becomes available in the wider group.

Levy holds catering contracts with major sports and events venues including the Oval (pictured), the O2, the All England Tennis Club (home of Wimbledon), Chelsea Football Club and Excel London.

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