Employers across the city-region commit to Greater Manchester’s Operators Standard

The move today is a step forward for workers in the city-region, and is the first Operators Standard of its kind in the UK. The five principles take account of tipping, training and mental health, consulting staff on practices and ensuring the workplace is a trusted environment.

The voluntary initiative follows two successful listening exercises hosted by the city-region’s Night-Time Economy Adviser Sacha Lord, where concerns on tipping, mental health and transport were raised and discussed.

Over the next couple of months, employers who met today will develop the vision for the Operators Standard.

Greater Manchester’s Night-Time Economy Adviser, Sacha Lord said: “The workers in our restaurants, bars, hotels, and clubs are the welcoming face of Greater Manchester’s night-time economy. We know what a wonderful job they do, and we want customers to be confident that when they reward great service, that reward goes to the right place.

“We also understand that Greater Manchester’s cultural and leisure offer (as well as the retail sector and infrastructure supporting this) account for around 44% of employment in the night-time economy, so it’s important that people see a career in this industry as rewarding, safe, supported and viable.

“The fact that so many operators are dedicated to developing the principles, demonstrates our city-region’s commitment to ensuring that our welcome continues to be world-class, warm and distinctly Greater Mancunian.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “It’s great to see so many operators in our flourishing night-time economy stepping forward to develop this standard.

“It’s important that we listen to, and support both employees and employers of the night-time economy. The principles will set a standard in Greater Manchester that will not only give the public, and the customer confidence in the sector, but will improve the environment for night-time workers and provide transparency in tipping.”

Founder members of the Operators Standard who met today, are made up of independent companies and city-centre venues, including Nando's, who are committed to adopting the standard in ten of their restaurants.

Regional Managing Director at Nando's Caroline Haigh said: “At Nando's we are proud to be an active part of, and support the night-time economy of Greater Manchester.  This initiative will serve to provide valuable insight as to how we can collaborate with the sector effectively to drive improvements for all night-time employees and hence the night-time economy itself, adding value to individuals and businesses alike.

“Greater Manchester has always been a city of innovation and this stands as another example of just that.”

The five principles of Greater Manchester’s Operators Standard which will be developed over the coming months will include;

1. Transparent tipping
2. Trusted workplace culture
3. Staff wellbeing and equality
4. Communication and consultation with staff
5. Mental health and training

If you would like more information, or would like to be involved, please email NightAdviser@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk.

Full list of operators currently involved: 

• Albert's Restaurants
• Automatic Café
• Bird at Birtle
• Bistro 1116
• Bunny Jackson’s
• Cane & Grain
• Crazy Pedro’s
• Dukes 92
• Eat New York
• El Diablo
• Elite Bistros of the World
• Evelyn’s and Daisy
• Frankie’s Toasties
• Grafene
• Harry’s
• Hollinworth & Price
• Home
• Jasmine
• Junkyard Golfclub
• Manchester Smokehouse
• Mantra Warehouse
• Nam Manchester
• Nando's
• Nutters
• Refuge
• Rota
• Santorini
• Science and Industry
• Tampopo
• Tariff & Dale
• The Arden Arms
• The Bay Horse Tavern
• The Clarence
• The Lead Station
• The Liars Club
• The Sip Club
• The Steamhouse
• The Venue Nightclub
• The Warehouse Project
• Zaranda