The CEO of UKHospitality has made comment on the report from the Office for National Statistics on the impact of the coronavirus on the hospitality sector.
Kate Nicholls said, “These figures from the ONS highlight how the pandemic has uniquely hit the hospitality sector and it’s devastating consequences for businesses across all parts of the market.
'While ‘Freedom Day’ sees 12,000 venues finally open their doors and the sector operate viably for the first time in 16 months, hospitality is far from out of the woods.
“For the sector to enjoy a sustainable recovery, Government will need to continue working closely with us in order to put in place the right trading environment including measures such as the extension of the business rates holiday until at least October, allowing firms to bounce back strongly, and to rebuild fragile consumer confidence.'
Nicholls finished, 'With the right support, hospitality can be at the forefront of the nation’s economic recovery, creating jobs and reviving our high streets and city centres.”