2000 people aged 18 and above took part in the research, which focuses on the behavioural attitudes and factors that will affect a return to leisure activities such as pubs and bars, restaurants, holidays, non-food shopping and visiting local attractions.
Asked about what would influence their decision to take part in these activities, more than half of respondents cited the importance of the following five factors:
• Crowd levels (69%)
• Ability to social distance (64%)
• Confidence in infection control measures (63%)
• Cleanliness and hygiene (61%)
• Confidence that staff have been trained in these new measures (54%)
Whilst both men and women consider these factors important, women appear to be more cautious. For example, 73% of women are concerned about how crowded a location might be, 66% (women) are concerned about cleanliness and 60% of women want to be confident that staff have been trained in safety and hygiene.
The younger generation (aged 18-24) appear to be spearheading the return and are by far the most positive across the board, whether with plans to spend more time with family and friends (60%), visiting pubs and bars more (30%) or doing more outdoor activities (48%).
In terms of the economic impact on the sector, almost six out of 10 of those surveyed (59%) across all age groups said they would eat out as regularly (43%) or even more frequently (16%) than before the pandemic. Another positive sign is that half (50%) of respondents aged over 65 say that the pandemic will not affect how frequently they eat out, and a further 9% plan to do so more often.
Commenting on the findings, Jane Rexworthy, Executive Director of People 1st International said: “These are encouraging findings in light of the challenges facing the hospitality sector. They also highlight that staff training to support health and hygiene beyond Covid-19 is critical to building consumer confidence. At People 1st International, we’re helping businesses by offering WorldHost 2020, a new e-learning module to empower staff to keep customers and colleagues safe - helping assure business leaders that they can re-open their doors with confidence.”
The WorldHost 2020 e-learning programme meets the professional standard for service operators which helps employers prepare themselves and their people to work safely - in line with guidance soon to be released from UKHospitality - and is being offered at a reduced rate of £5+VAT to make it accessible for all types of organisations during this difficult time.
David Sheen, Public Affairs Director at UKHospitality added: “It’s reassuring to hear how consumers feel about returning to pubs and restaurants and the industry is looking forward to reopening their doors in a safe way to their many loyal customers. These findings reiterate the importance of training your people in the new hygiene measures and social customer experience factors to a recognised standard, so having the professional standard for service operators provides an invaluable benchmark to ensure training meets a defined national standard.”