Local businesses seriously hit with staffing crisis says Supermacs boss

Hotels and Restaurants across the Shannonside Region and beyond are being forced to search abroad for staff to remain open.

That's according to Supermacs founder and hotelier Pat McDonagh, who says his operations are among those struggling to fill vacancies.

The Supermacs boss expects the sector will see at least 20 per cent of existing businesses change hands over the course of the pandemic, with employers facing significant challenges.

The East Galway business man had previously blamed the pandemic unemployment payment for discouraging employees to return to work.

Speaking to the Joe Finnegan Show this morning, the Fast Food chain owner says businesses are being left with no choice but to hire abroad.