The projection, from UKHospitality, is based on the latest data from the Office for National Statistics that 10,963 hospitality jobs were lost in the last month.
Following revisions to ONS data, the total jobs lost in hospitality since last October’s Budget now stands at 84,000. This equates to 4% of all jobs in the sector, and 55% of all jobs lost in the UK economy, according to UKHospitality.
The trade body is urging the Government to lower business rates, fix NICs and cut VAT in its upcoming Budget, set for 26 November.
“Losing 111,000 hospitality jobs by the Budget will be a devastating landmark for hospitality to reach and will be one that truly illustrates the unthinkable damage done to our sector,” says Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality.
“Hospitality is a sector that has a long and proud history of providing opportunity and jobs for all, and witnessing more than 84,000 jobs lost in hospitality already is heartbreaking.
“The cost increases introduced at last year’s Budget disproportionately hit our pubs, restaurants, hotels and cafes, to name a few, and particularly the 774,000 people employed on part-time or flexible hours.
“Hospitality is being taxed out and the sheer scale of cost increases hitting the sector is forcing businesses to make tough decisions to cut jobs, raise prices, slash investment and reduce hours.
“This is the opposite of what we want to do. We want to create jobs, help people come back into work, invest in our businesses and support the communities we serve.
“I would urge the Government to act on our concerns and lower business rates, fix NICs and cut VAT at the Budget. We stand ready to work together on solutions that can reverse the damage already done and help hospitality thrive, not just survive.”