News / Press release / Economy

UKHospitality responds to latest ONS GDP figures

The new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the economy grew by 0.1% in November.

UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said:

“Today’s GDP figures once again underline the importance of hospitality in driving economic growth and recovery.

“The World Cup provided a significant boost in November, with pubs and bars reporting sales up 30-40% on matchdays. This once again shows the power of big sporting events, even in the winter, and the important role our venues play in bringing communities together.

“However, the figures also highlight the impact strike action had on the sector and the cost of lost sales is likely to be set out more starkly in next month’s figures.

“While Hospitality has yet to recover to pre-Covid levels, in real terms, today’s figures demonstrate the role the sector can play in boosting the economy.

While times are challenging right now, with the right support and investment the sector can both survive and thrive; delivering long-term economic growth, creating jobs and continuing its tradition of investing in our communities.”