The research, carried out by Oxford Economics, found the sector also contributed £16.8bn in tax and generated an estimated £2.2bn in net capital investment.
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The BBPA said the findings demonstrated the sector’s economic impact across every region, with each region generating an average of £3.2bn in GVA and supporting an average of 81,800 jobs.
Young workers
The trade body said the sector was particularly important for younger workers and those seeking flexible employment.
Almost half, 48%, of direct jobs were held by workers aged between 16 and 24, equivalent to 341,900 roles, while 60% of workers were employed part-time.
Pubs alone generated £29.8bn in GVA, supporting 849,600 jobs and £17.4bn in wages.
The UK’s breweries generated £6.7bn in GVA and supported 74,100 jobs, while beer sales in the off-trade contributed £2.3bn in GVA and supported 48,100 jobs.
‘Lynchpin for jobs’
BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “This analysis shows why we’re the lynchpin for jobs, growth and communities in every constituency.
“Every single region’s job market and local economy is enriched from pints and pubs, with them being vital for putting money in people’s pockets, being precious community spaces and boosting investment whilst generating significant tax revenues.
It would be a perilous mistake to take this for granted, because when they close, we all lose out.
Emma McClarkin
The BBPA said the sector’s tax burden needed to be reduced if pubs and brewers were to continue supporting jobs and growth.
It is calling for permanent business rates reform, a beer duty freeze, an increased draught duty discount and a review of employment costs.
McClarkin added: “We are fortunate that the Prime Minister and Chancellor recognise this and are strong supporters of the sector, as demonstrated by the vital 20% cut in business rates recently announced as a first step to support the sector.
“We now need to see permanent business rates reform, a freeze in beer duty and an increased draught discount, along with a review of employment costs to ensure we can continue to keep people in work, boost the economy and remain as the heart and soul of communities.”
The BBPA also pointed to separate research from WPI Strategy, authored by former Treasury economist Martin Beck, which estimated pub-based social interaction generated wellbeing value of around £1,000 to £2,000 per regular pubgoer each year.
With almost 30% of UK adults visiting pubs regularly, the report estimated the total wellbeing-equivalent value of pubs at up to £30bn annually.
