Fish and chip shop owners across the UK warn their businesses are at risk as rising costs, tighter fishing quotas, and the UK Labour government’s National Insurance increase squeeze already-thin profit margins.
Many operators report making no profit on cod, with some forced to raise prices significantly or absorb costs themselves.
Cod quotas for 2025 have been cut by 20 percent, and employer National Insurance contributions have risen from 13.8% to 15%, leaving some owners needing an extra £700 per staff member annually.
While some customers remain loyal, others are cutting costs by preparing fish at home.
Josefina Fernandes, who runs ‘The Big Fish’ in Stroud, offers a large cod and chips for £12 and has no plans to increase prices despite the challenges.
Fernandes, 76, who still works five long days in her shop, told GB News: “It’s hurting. The prices we have to pay our suppliers now for fish, potatoes and all the other ingredients – in addition to ever-increasing energy costs and everything else – leaves us with very little profit.”
“We’re absorbing most of the increases ourselves and that hits our profits hard.”
Image credit: Meelan Bawjee
How many of the (s)elected Representatives in Parliament own stock or have options in the Insurance companies?
Collapse the Fish & Chip shoppes, and watch the fishing industry take a hit…
But, the Parliamentarians will probably make-up for the loss by charging fees / levies / licencing to fish NZ Waters by the ‘Largest trade neighbour’ from ‘up north’…and will take a cut from those fees /levies / licences…
In the meantime, the NZ Fishing Fleet will remain docked in port, waiting for the NZ Loyal Party to win a majority of the votes, so that they can put to sea once again.
Billy T James’s tips to fine dining
https://www.facebook.com/nostalgickiwi/videos/billy-t-james-beginners-guide-to-dining-out/974610279253760/
Thanks for posting Billy T was good to have a laugh and a trip back to saner times…
The attack on food producers continues. You shall eat ze bugs!