Thursday, November 21, 2024

Budget ‘death sentence’ risks killing off four in 10 night venues

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The double hit comes on top of Labour’s Employment Rights Bill, which includes measures such as banning “exploitative” zero-hours contracts, that will cost businesses up to £4.5bn and will hit the hospitality sector particularly hard.

Mr Kill said: “The Government’s ‘pro-growth’ claims ring hollow in the face of policies that are, in reality, crippling the very industries that drive economic vitality, social cohesion and cultural richness.”

The night-time economy is worth £136bn, supports more than 2m jobs and is one of the largest employers of people aged under 30 in the country.

The NTIA warned the sector faced widespread closures and job losses in an “unprecedented crisis”, with nine in 10 bars and clubs struggling with unmanageable costs.

Three-quarters of venues expect their bills to rise by more than £30,000 this year because of higher National Insurance payments and the minimum wage rise, as well as steeper energy prices following the October price cap rise. Higher alcohol duties, which Ms Reeves confirmed would rise in line with inflation next year, are also expected to contribute.

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