Our highlights from the UKHospitality Parliamentary Reception

The event brought together industry leaders, MPs, and key stakeholders to discuss the current state of the hospitality sector and the significant implications of the Autumn Budget.

As long-standing advisors to hospitality businesses, we were eager to represent our clients and highlight key issues to central government and policymakers. Below is a brief summary of the key discussion points:

Post-Budget concerns

The Autumn Budget raised concerns for UK hospitality businesses, with impending cost increases, including higher employer NICs, reduced business rates relief, and a rise in the National Minimum Wage. These changes threaten profitability and growth in the sector.

The significant impact on businesses and employment levels was hotly debated, and there were calls for tailored support measures specifically for the hospitality sector.

Employment Rights Bill worry

The Government’s plans to introduce new labour rights from day one, such as a crackdown on zero-hour contracts, notifications of cancelled shifts, and the right to flexible working, have raised alarms among hospitality businesses.

The debate focused on the impracticality of these measures within the hospitality sector, where short-term, flexible employment is common. Many argued that these new regulations would create a work environment that heavily burdens employers and leads to increased costs.

Building the hospitality workforce

Staffing and resource challenges across the hospitality industry were also highlighted, with calls for greater investment in skill development and training programs.

Recognising the importance of investing in training for the workforce, the discussion underscored the need to address this often-overlooked area to ensure a sustainable and skilled workforce in the sector.

Key driver of growth

Despite the concerns, the importance of the hospitality sector as a key driver of economic growth, investment, and regeneration in the UK was also acknowledged.

The sector’s role in promoting social mobility and wealth distribution was emphasized, along with its potential to breathe new life into high streets and communities nationwide. There is a significant opportunity to leverage this potential, getting it right by creating vibrant, thriving environments that offer economic opportunities to all.