JobKeeper allows N17 to re-hire staff member who is “part of the furniture”
GOOD NEWS STORY
Over the last couple of months, we have heard many tales of people losing their jobs across the Douglas Shire thanks to COVID-19 restrictions, so it is nice to hear when small local businesses are able to re-hire staff.
And thanks to the Government’s Jobkeeper scheme, N17 Burger Co. in Port Douglas has been able to bring back several staff members including one who helped build the business into what it is today.
RELATED:
- New food and craft beer for N17
Rosie Bouchard has been at N17 since day one, and owner and head chef, Simon Macleod said the day he had to tell her and other staff they no longer had a job was a tough day.
“Rosie has been a casual here since before the doors first opened, she was one of the first people to try the burgers,” he said.
“She has had a lot of input into making N17 what it is and she is part of the furniture, so letting her and the others go was quite emotional.
“Being able to bring some staff back is a weight off my shoulders and it’s nice having the gang back together.”
The timing was also perfect as the day the staff went back to work last week was also Rosie’s birthday.
Being able to afford more staff has also allowed N17 to adapt the business to the current world needs and offer a delivery service to Port Douglas.
“With the bar closed I have a bit too many staff with the reduced trade in the small takeaway shop. So one of my casuals is basically a delivery driver now and the delivery gives me access to get to people who can’t come out,” Mr Macleod said.
N17 now offers delivery Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 3pm and 5:00pm to 7:30pm.
The loss of trade is a story echoed all over the Douglas Shire’s hospitality and tourism industries.
“It’s not nice seeing Port Douglas as a complete ghost town,” Mr Macleod said.
“It should be peak season now so we have lost about 80 per cent of revenue but we are just thankful that we have been able to keep the takeaway side going.
“We are very appreciative of the fact we have customers at all and feel for those who can’t open and send our love to them.
“Hopefully soon all the businesses are able to come back,” Mr Macleod said.
Newsport Community Service Support:
Business support line:
business.gov.au | 13 28 46
Small or medium business with reduced cash flow?
Here’s what we’re doing to boost your cash flow.
Is your business financially distressed?
This is what we’re doing to support you.
Assisting the economic recovery
Here’s how we’ll support you to grow.
Employ an apprentice or trainee?
This support is for you.
Are you a sole trader that has lost business?
This is what we’re doing to support you and your business.
Household finances hit by reduced work?
Here’s what we’re doing to help support your family budget.
Letters to the Editor. Do you have an opinion or point of view you'd like to share on one of our stories or a community issue? Please submit here.
* Readers are encouraged to use their full details to ensure letter legitimacy. Letters are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport or its staff. Letters containing unlawful, obscene, defamatory or abusive material will not be published.
Got a great news tip or video? We'd love to see it. Send news tips to editor@newsport.com.au
* Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport or its staff.
Reader comments on this site are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Our moderation takes into consideration these guidelines and rules before comments are approved for publication.
