Bournemouth and Poole fish and chips shops on energy bills

Slashed trading days and staff hours are some of the cost-cutting measures being undertaken by independent fish and chip businesses in the region, with gas and electricity bills more than doubling in many cases.

The National Federation of Fish Friers has urged the government to cut VAT in order to help shops with their energy bills, described as the “tip of the iceberg” of issues facing the hospitality industry.

Popular fish and chip restaurant and takeaway Chez Fred announced on social media on Sunday that it would be closing for two days a week during the autumn and winter period.

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From Sunday, September 11, the Westbourne fish and chip site will close each Sunday and Monday only during the autumn and winter due to the “harsh economic climate” – while emphasising how its customers too are affected by the crisis.

Chez Fred in Westbourne

A spokesperson wrote: “It’s not a decision we've taken lightly but in view of the harsh economic climate that we're all facing, together with huge increases in energy costs, it's a move that makes sense for us as a business.

“Thank you for your continued support during these challenging times. We know how difficult it is for many of our customers and appreciate your custom more than ever.

“Rest assured that it will be business as usual from Tuesday to Saturday inclusive and we look forward to continuing to serve you with pride.”

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However, other traders in the area say they “cannot afford” to lose trading days and have instead implored basic cost cutting measures and reduction in staff hours.

Melissa Albiges manages Halfway Fish Bar in Bournemouth Road, Parkstone, and told the Echo they will be running “very carefully” in the coming months in response to the bill rises.

Halfway Fish Bar in Parkstone. Picture: Google Street View

She said: “We’re being tight on waste, making sure our lights are off, saving water, all sorts of little things to counteract the bills.

“We’re not going to be firing staff but will have to reduce some hours. On Fridays for example, while we would usually have seven people working that may go down to six or five.

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Melissa also recalled a typo in a previous energy bill which mistakenly read £3,000 for the month and expressed concern that the once incorrect price would soon become a reality.

“Times are so hard for everyone,” she said.

“Customers especially. But if you do decide to treat yourself to a takeaway I’d just encourage you to go to a local independent as opposed to a McDonald’s or Burger King. It just gives us all a chance.”

The government has said it is supporting businesses “by slashing fuel duty” and introducing a 50 per cent business rates relief.