Mayor Of London urged to make good on promises ahead of Olympics

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has been urged to make good on his promises ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games in the capital.

During the election campaign Conservative Johnson pledged to work with hospitality employers in London to ensure that all workers received a “Living Wage” (£7.20) by the end of his four-year tem in 2012.

Last month the newly elected mayor said he would adopt the proposals because “the gap between rich and poor has widened in the past 10 years”.

Johnson’s manifesto also promised to make it easier for businesses to work with the London 2012 Organising Committee and Olympic Delivery Authority.

However no mention of a strategy for Visit London has been made, with hospitality businesses in the capital looking to it to attract foreign visitors to London.

Peter Hancock, chief executive of Pride of Britain Hotels, told Caterersearch: “A great many of the foreign visitors on whom our industry depends start and end their experience in London.

“It is therefore vital that London's airports, train services and roads function properly. In this respect the Mayor has a responsibility stretching far beyond the capital and I hope the apparent buoyancy of London's local tourism does not deter him from addressing these issues urgently.”

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By Christopher Walton

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