Sector won't survive 'further austerity or crises'
According to the NTIA, the hospitality sector was predicted to lose more than £100m in revenue this week alone due to ongoing strikes.
Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) CEO Michael Kill said: “This country is being brought to a standstill with more than 500,000 workers on strike this week.
Growing frustration
“The Government cannot ignore the growing frustration and anger, not only from the UK wide workforce, but the millions of businesses across the country that have been hammered by industrial action, inflation and the subsequent cost of living crisis.
“We cannot emphasize enough that this industry will not survive further austerity or crises.”
Thousands of union members across multiple sectors, including teachers, rail workers and NHS staff, participated in mass strikes and walkouts this month, campaigning for better rates of pay and working conditions.
Immediate issue
This follows recent warnings from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) for Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to deliver a plan for sustainable growth for pubs and breweries ahead of the Spring Budget, or risk losing them forever.
Moreover, a flash poll from the NTIA earlier this week showed 48.4% of firms were barely breaking even with 82% under threat as the new Energy Relief Scheme to be implemented from April will have no impact on them.
Kill added: “We are dealing with an immediate issue, which will not be resolved by a Government that is focused on long term strategic planning for investment and growth in the next 3, 6, 12 months. Can the Government not see that these businesses will not be here to benefit?"
