The decision by JPRestaurants, which comes in response to the covid-19 pandemic, was announced on social media this afternoon.

The company said: “Jersey Pottery and JPRestaurants close their doors today for the first time since 1946. It’s such a sad day, full of worry for our customers, suppliers and colleagues. We will be back. Please keep safe.”

It comes after numerous local businesses have warned that the increasing numbers of islanders going into self-isolation and practising social distancing will hit the hospitality industry hard, in some cases potentially causing job losses.

Efforts are now being made to secure other temporary jobs for affected restaurant and hotel workers.

The Jersey Hospitality Association has partnered with recruiters GR8, while Randalls has made a deal with the Alliance supermarkets to supply extra “hands on deck”.

“These employees are a grateful addition to the Alliance team during this difficult period and allows Alliance to temporarily have access to resource that can’t currently be used within Randalls… We would ask customers that they are patient whilst the team learn the ropes and also show them the respect that is already given to their other employees,” Alliance said this morning.