Bella Italia tells Sheffield staff to book flights home from abroad as it prepares to reopen

The popular chain, which has restaurants in Sheffield city centre and the Centertainment complex at Attercliffe, closed its venues during the coronavirus pandemic.

With restaurants across the city now reopening, under strict Government guidelines to still try to reduce the spread of Covid-19, Bella Italia is preparing to follow suit.

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Reopening dates have not yet been released, but in communications sent to staff in Sheffield and seen by The Star, some venues in the UK are expected to open early this month.

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One staff memo said workers currently abroad and without approval for holidays from the company should make arrangements to return home.

It said: “The great news is that we will be able to provide everyone with some hours.

“With that in mind, please make sure you are ready because we will be expecting you back when the doors reopen.

“If you are currently abroad and have not had approval for holidays or confirmed a return date, please make arrangements to book a flight back.

"Unfortunately if you fail to turn up when you are scheduled on shift, this will be classified as unauthorised absence and will be unpaid.”

In a statement for The Big Table Group, which runs Bella Italia, said: “We are very excited to be reopening our sites over the next six weeks.

"As we approach reopening, we have requested that any team members that are currently living abroad, return to the UK to make themselves available to work.

“If team members are on holiday, then they can return as planned.

"We understand that airports are running reduced services and will be as flexible as possible with return dates for those living abroad.”

Meanwhile, the Government’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme began this week diners at a number of pubs and restaurants able to enjoy half price food and drinks throughout August.

The scheme allows customers to get 50 per cent off food and non-alcoholic drinks up to the value of £10 per person between Monday and Wednesday at participating venues.