Revised growth figures from the ONS for Q3 (July to September) showed that the economy stalled, with zero economic growth.
Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: “These revised growth figures confirm what we already suspected – that the economy is in a fragile place and in dire need of growth.
“But with business confidence already plummeting and a third of hospitality businesses operating at or below break even, the planned changes to employer National Insurance Contributions will make generating economic growth even more difficult.
“Hospitality is hit disproportionately hard by the changes, particularly the lowering of the threshold, and the £3.4 billion in costs hitting the sector in April will impact jobs, investment and business viability.
“That’s why we urgently need the Government to rethink its approach. Delaying these changes to allow for proper consultation and engagement with businesses is much needed to protect hard-working venues and team members.”
