A joint survey by hospitality trade associations the British Beer & Pub Association, UKHospitality, the British Institute of Innkeeping and Hospitality Ulster has revealed how the sector fears it will be drastically affected by new employment costs and the reduction in rates relief come April.
The bodies have highlighted the importance of hospitality with its ability to deliver economic growth because the sector was one of the top contributors to GDP growth in November and December 2024.
They said a delay to the changes to the employers’ NICs threshold would avoid the immediate impact on jobs and investment revealed in the survey.
VAT is biggest issue
When asked how the Government could support the sector, respondents cited a reversal of employers’ NICs changes as the second biggest priority after a lower rate of VAT for hospitality.
Stand-out figures from the collective showed:
• 70% will reduce their employment levels, risking job losses and lost income for workers.
• 60% would cancel planned investment.
• 29% will reduce trading hours.
• 25% have no cash reserves left, up six percentage points since October 2024.
• 15% believe they will have to close at least one site.
In a joint statement, the trade bodies said: “These figures should serve as a clear warning that pubs, brewers and hospitality venues will be forced to make painful decisions to weather these new costs, which will have damaging impacts on businesses, jobs and communities.
“At a time when hospitality has been one of the top contributors to economic growth, the last thing the Government should be doing is piling on costs that will impact employment and cut off our ability to grow.
Delay changes
“We want to work with Government so we can continue to vitally boost the economy, which is why we urge them to delay the changes to the employer NICs threshold. This would help save jobs and allow the sector to continue on its growth path.
“If it doesn’t act, then businesses are clear that the impact on communities, employees and supply chains will be significant.
“They have warned about potential lost earnings, lost jobs, reduced trading hours and, in some cases, business failure. This would mean the loss of essential community hubs that would otherwise drive the local economy and create jobs.
“Our message to Government is to delay its changes to the employers’ NICs threshold and allow hospitality to continue to deliver economic growth, regenerate our high streets and support local communities.”
