Hospitality jobs growth 'at risk', warns UKHospitality
The industry body’s warning follows publication of data by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) that reveals there are 31,000 fewer jobs in the sector compared with the same time last year.
The data highlights a third consecutive quarter of contraction in job numbers and 92,000 fewer jobs compared with the second quarter peak in 2017.
However, the number of jobs in the sector is still nearly 400,000 more than at the end of 2008.
'Cost pressures are becoming too much'
UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls commented: “The hospitality sector has done a fantastic job at creating opportunities, revitalising high streets and stimulating growth since the financial crisis.
“The sector has been a major driver of employment, creating one in seven of all new jobs despite increasing cost pressures and legislative restrictions.
“The new data from the ONS suggests that these cost pressures are becoming too much for some employers and, consequently, we are looking at a reduction in the number of jobs compared to last year.
“It also seems no coincidence that the reduction in jobs should follow so closely from the disastrous business rates revaluation that has heaped more pressure on venues.
“We have been vocal and persistent in our message to the Government that if businesses continue to face spiralling taxes, they will struggle to invest and grow and, ultimately, jobs will be at risk.
“The sector is still in a very strong position and has an opportunity to continue creating jobs and revitalising communities around the UK, but only if exorbitant and destructive costs are tackled by the Government.”
The ONS figures in full are available here.
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