Curry is considered as Britain's favourite dish. However, there are about two curry houses a week that are closing as traditional chefs are retiring and closing their shops.
At least two businesses a week are facing closure as the first generation restaurant owners from India and Pakistan are choosing to retire. It is said that as many as 33,000 people could face losing their jobs in years to come.
Sanjay Majhu, considered as one of Britain's most prolific owners, sold four of his 14 Ashoka restaurants in 2014.
He said, “It is getting harder. I do not see myself expanding into Indian restaurants anymore. People like going to World Buffet because they are cheap and cheerful. We don't have the capability to compete with large businesses like that. Indian restaurants still do well but they're up against a lot of competition. Personally speaking, I hope to sell most of them off. I am definitely trying to wind down the business now.”
Experts from the restaurant industry are blaming the immigration rules for the closures of restaurants. The rules limit the migration of lower paid workers from outside of the European Union. Chefs from outside the EU must earn £29,550 in order to be considered a UK visa.
