‘We need measures that unlock the potential of our sector’: hospitality trade bodies react to the election

Industry trade bodies have urged all political parties to recognise the “strategic importance” of the hospitality sector after prime minister Rishi Sunak announced a general election will be held on 4 July.

 

The date was revealed during a press conference outside 10 Downing Street yesterday (22 May).

 

Parliament will be suspended on Friday 24 May and formally dissolved on Thursday 30 May, ahead of the five-week election campaign.

 

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “Hospitality businesses lie at the heart of every constituency in the country. In serving Britain, the sector creates places where people want to live, work and invest.

 

“We need to see all political parties recognise this and will be working hard on behalf of our members during this period, to ensure manifestos from across the political spectrum reflect the strategic importance of our sector.

 

She added: “We need to see evidence of measures that can unlock the potential of our sector to do even more. These include promises of action to lower the tax burden on our industry, initiatives that give us greater access to workers, and other measures that will support us in creating more jobs and further upskilling the workforce.”

 

Nicholls referenced the fact VAT was raised back to the standard 20% rate in April 2022, while the salary threshold for skilled worker visas was increased from £26,200 to £38,700 in April this year.

 

Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), welcomed the announcement of the election. He said: “This marks a pivotal moment for our nation, offering an opportunity to put an end to the prolonged period of uncertainty and turmoil that has gripped our country for the past four years.

 

“Our sector has been particularly hard hit by the challenges of the past years, from the impact of the pandemic to regulatory uncertainties. It is crucial that the elected government works towards a comprehensive and inclusive long-term plan that addresses these challenges and supports the recovery and growth of our industries.”

 

Kill added: “We call upon all political parties to prioritise the needs of the night-time economy in their election manifestos and commit to policies that will support its revival and sustainability. This includes measures to ensure the safety and security of our venues, support for cultural initiatives, and investment in skills and training for our workforce.”

 

The Conservatives have been in power for the past 14 years and oversaw country during the Brexit referendum in 2016 and the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

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