A multi-million pound Gloucestershire company which is experiencing a staff crisis has been forced to temporarily close part of its operation.

Severn and Wye Smokery, based at Chaxhill, near Westbury-on-Severn in the Forest of Dean, is currently operating at 72 members of staff short of full capacity.

It's all hands to the pump for its existing workforce of 172 with staff from the Barn restaurant switching roles to keep production going in the smokery, meaning the Barn, shop and outdoor kitchen have had to close their doors temporarily.

Company owner Richard Cook admitted: "We have a staff crisis. We've currently got 16 members of staff from the Barn working in production roles in the smokery. They are putting their backs into doing that. The reality is that the smokery is our core business and what we are known for."

Mr Cook, who founded the company in 1989, added: "We are 72 members of staff short. There are a range of roles available from chefs to front of house to production to engineering roles."

However, he said they were finding it extremely hard to fill the vacancies which have been caused by a variety of reasons such as pregnancy, retirement and people just wanting to move on.The firm's workforce has predominantly consisted of women and Eurpoeans, he added.

"The lifeblood of every company is its staff," he said, adding that the remaining workforce was doing a 'brilliant' job and working beyond the call of duty.

Mr Cook said that during the pandemic they hadn't had to shut the production facility down for even one day.

He added: "I believe the kitchen at the Barn is one of the best kitchens in the South West."

The company's website is currently 'undergoing maintenance' but there is a message on it saying: "The Barn will close its doors for a period of two weeks; our wonderful team will head across the yard to support their colleagues in the Smokery as we, like much of the country, continue to experience a severe staffing crisis.

"During this period the Outdoor Kitchen will also remain closed. We plan to keep you updated on our plans for re-opening so do keep your eye on social media. Meanwhile, restaurant reservations for the period from Tuesday 23 November onwards can continue to be made in the usual way.

"A big thank you to you, our loyal customers, and, of course, to our staff for your support and understanding in what are very challenging times indeed."

Severn and Wye Smokery's turnover last year was £56m.