Pubs have lost ‘all their Christmas bookings virtually overnight’, hospitality bosses said today – as fears over the Covid variant and mixed messaging from ministers ravage an already stricken industry.

Bosses said government warnings about the threat of Omicron and new working from home guidance had persuaded many punters that it wasn’t worth going ahead with their festive gatherings.

One London hotel told MailOnline it was expecting £100,000 worth of losses from cancelled events, rooms and covers – and said many staff were fearing for their jobs given the extent the industry relies on a lucrative Christmas period.

Pubs are also being badly hit, particularly those in town centres or who rely on commuters.