Tim Martin the boss of Wetherspoons has called for more migration from the EU to help tackle the shortage of bar staff working within the UK
The pro-Brexit multimillionaire and boss of Wetherspoons has urged Boris Johnson to introduce a “reasonably liberal immigration system” controlled by the UK rather than by the European Union.
He recommended that the prime minister should adopt a visa scheme for workers from the bloc in order to help the nation’s pubs and restaurants hire more bar staff as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tim Martin, who had been a vocal supporter of the UK’s departure from the European Union, also suggested that countries geographically closer to the United Kingdom could be prioritised for the suggested programme.
This comes after the easing of coronavirus restrictions has been paused for millions in Scotland, but rules will be relaxed within Glasgow from Saturday. Most of the country had been due to take the step down to level one in the Scottish five-tier system from next week.
He told the Daily Telegraph: “The UK has a low birth rate. A reasonably liberal immigration system controlled by those we have elected, as distinct from the EU system, would be a plus for the economy and the country.
“America, Australia and Singapore have benefitted for many decades from this approach. Immigration combined with democracy works.”
It comes following reports of a looming staffing crisis within the sector which has forced many pub and restaurant owners to close up during the busy lunchtime period.
Mr Martin’s comments have provoked a bewildered reaction from many on social media platforms.
Pro-EU campaigner Femi Oluwole wrote: “I really hope Tim Martin never runs into Tim Martin. He’s gonna be so angry!”
Labour councillor Freddie Bailey, of Preston City Council, said: “Pro-Brexit Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin has called for more EU migration to tackle the worker shortage.
“Do I really need to say anything?”
The boss of Wetherspoons had faced a backlash at the start of the coronavirus pandemic for releasing a video message to staff back in March telling them to “go work at Tesco” as he warned that their pay will likely be delayed until the month of April in 2020.
This comes after UK house prices have increased by 10.9% in the year up to May, the highest level seen in seven years, according to the Nationwide. The average house prices in the UK has risen to £242,832, an increase of £23,930 over the past year.
In the video message, he explained that his company would rely on a government grant in order to pay his workers until government ministers delivered on their promise to pay 80% of worker’s wages through the furlough scheme.
However, Tim Martin did say that if people had worked for Wetherspoons previously, then they would be guaranteed that they would be given first preference if they had chosen to return.
In March of this year, the chain announced that it was investing £145 million into new pubs, as well as upgrades in a bid to create a further 2,000 jobs.
