A BBC Masterchef judge who owns a pub in Somerset has warned that changes to employment law could be the ‘final nail in the coffin’ for struggling venues.
William Sitwell says Labour’s proposed reforms to zero-hours contracts threaten to undermine the flexibility vital to the hospitality sector.
The proposed reform would require employers to offer regular-hours contracts to workers who consistently work predictable hours, give reasonable notice of shifts, and compensate staff when shifts are cancelled or changed at short notice
Mr Sitwell, who took over the White Hart in Wiveliscombe in December 2025, believes the changes would make it harder for pubs across the country to stay afloat.
Mr Sitwell said: “The point is, when Andy Burnham told pubs to relax because the cavalry is coming and it reflected his apparent love of pubs, the reality of what Labour are doing is they’ve been implementing policy after policy that helps to destroy hospitality.
"What’s interesting about the zero hours reform that is being looked at, you can’t on the one hand say you love the business of pubs and argue for the zero hours reform."
He argued that zero-hours contracts provide essential flexibility, allowing pubs to manage unpredictable demand and changing circumstances.
Mr Sitwell said: "Not all employers are terrible people.
"On one hand we look after our staff, but on the other hand we expect them to be flexible because the circumstance of running a pub means there are many factors which can impact your business, so being able to increase or decrease your staff, sometimes at the last minute, is the difference between making and losing money.
"There’s so much pressure already on pubs that this will be the final nail in the coffin for so many pubs.
"It terrifies me having that flexibility taken away."
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He also challenged the negative perception of zero-hours contracts, noting that some workers value the flexibility they offer.
Mr Sitwell said: "What affects me is zero hours bounded around by people as if it is terrible, but it suits some people who want flexible contracts, so we would urge the government not to pursue a reform like that."
When asked how his pub is doing, he said: "We are surviving; we run on empty.
"It is very hard to make any money; it is very hard to make profit, but we have built up a very loyal following, so I am happy to say we are always very stuffed with locals."
Despite the challenges, he remains committed to his business, his team and his loyal customers.
Mr Sitwell said: "This is the most expensive hobby I have ever indulged in; that is not to say I do not love it; it has massively enhanced my life.
"I love it, I love all the people that come in, it is one hell of an adventure, and I am not about to bow out; I will keep fighting."
He also stressed the importance of community support.
Mr Sitwell said: “I think that people just always need to remember that unless you use it you lose it.
"I think there is an onus on the community that, while we battle to get them in, they need to do their bit by coming out and spending.
"Do your bit for your country, go have a drink."
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