Food, retail and clothing company Avoca has announced that it will scale back the dining facilities at its Belfast branch due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic when it reopens later this month.
The Belfast Telegraph quotes the company as saying, "Avoca, like many businesses in the retail sector, has been significantly impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We've seen stats around footfall in Belfast city centre down 45% alone.
"For now, effort is being made to restructure and innovate our services in order to open the Belfast operations safely, and in accordance with the latest government guidance on food and retail.
"We are looking forward to welcoming back staff and customers in the safest possible manner in the coming weeks, with many exciting changes to come."
Aiming "To Minimise Redundancies"
Avoca added, "This year footfall in Belfast city centre is down 45% when compared to the previous year.
"Regardless, our overall aim is to minimise any redundancies and to protect the Avoca business, and brand, for the future.
"Unfortunately today, some restaurant and kitchen staff roles have been put at risk of redundancy, although none have been confirmed. A formal consultation process will now follow."
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