HUNGRY FOR WORK

Restaurant receives 963 applications for receptionist job in Manchester as unemployment soars during coronavirus crisis

by · The Scottish Sun

A RESTAURANT received 963 applications for a single job as unemployment soars during the coronavirus crisis. 

Rooftop joint 20 Stories in Manchester was inundated with CVs for the receptionist position within 24 hours of advertising.  

20 Stories in Manchester received 963 applications for one receptionist jobCredit: MEN Media
The bar and restaurant was inundated with CVs as unemployment soars during the pandemicCredit: MEN Media

D&D London, which owns the site, said it was forced to close applications early due to the “unprecedented” interest.

Carol Cairnes, of the restaurant group, told Manchester Evening News: “The sheer number of applicants is staggering, we’ve never seen such a large number come through in such a short amount of time.

“Whilst it means we will have the pick of an incredibly large number of highly qualified candidates, it’s very sad to see how many people are in need of employment.

“I would love to be able to offer them all the position, but of course that’s just not possible at this time.”

A pub in Wimbledon, south London, received similar levels of interest for two £9-an-hour jobs. 

Almost 500 people applied for roles at the Alexandra pub within five days of advertising.

General manager Mick Dore tweeted: “I don’t want to alarm anyone about the economy or anything, but I advertised two bar jobs at 4.30pm on Thursday. We’ve had well over 400 applications. Gulp.”

And Rob Fisher, another pub owner who runs the Fitzrovia Belle and Hotel in central London, said he had 400 applicants for a handful of roles.

The hospitality industry has taken a battering during lockdown with thousands out of work.

The number of paid workers dropped by 649,000 between March and June, including 74,000 in the past month.

Experts predict up to two million workers will become unemployed over the next few months as the true impact of the pandemic is revealed.

scoop@thesun.co.uk