Infozone -the briefing: 27/11/2009

Workers take action to help employers survive recession

More than half of UK workers have actively helped their employers survive the recession by taking some form of action, research has found.

Unpaid overtime is the most commonly cited form of assistance, with one in three workers claiming they have worked longer hours without extra pay.

The poll, commissioned by insolvency trade body R3, found that about 15% of employees said they had either accepted a pay freeze or deliberately not requested a pay rise, while 14% had taken unpaid leave.

President of R3 Peter Sargent said: "These people are the unsung heroes of the recession. Their personal sacrifices can help businesses survive."

â- Use Christmas to boost January

Although December this year won't be as busy as previous years, it will still be the busiest month of the year, according to restaurant consultant Captivate Restaurants.

"Good restaurateurs need to use that trade to help boost sales in January when things will be tough," said Guy Holmes of Captivate Restaurants, who has provided his top tips for boosting sales at the start of next year:

1. "Bounce back" vouchers

These are vouchers that are designed to get customers to come back in January. They should be for a good offer, such as a two for one, and a valid in January only.

2. Plan for Jan

You need to start planning now for January, both for marketing and for cost cutting - such as a reduced staff rota. With regard to marketing - plan for some kind of promotion or special offer. Think about how you are going to promote the offer. Speak to the local press about running a promotion in January.

3. Database expansion

Use customer comment cards and competitions to help boost your database. A busy December should mean that you can add hundreds of people to your database if you make it a priority.