Chamber News
Hospitality Industry Urges Action Amid Staggering Job Losses
26 August 2025 • Sarah Medcraf
The hospitality industry has suffered around 89,000 job losses since last October, according to UKHospitality analysis of ONS data. The trade body warns losses could hit 100,000 by the next Budget, with businesses squeezed by rising wages, higher National Insurance, energy and ingredient costs, and weaker consumer spending.
Many venues are cutting hours, reducing staff or closing sites, raising fears of a downturn on the scale of Covid. UKHospitality has called on the Treasury to take urgent action on VAT and business rates in England. SCC has consistently urged the Scottish Government to increase business rates relief in Scotland in line with south of the border
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