Hospitality accounts for nearly half of total jobs lost in the last year

The data reveals that in the year to March 2021, the total number of paid employees in the UK fell by 813,000.

Hospitality businesses accounted for 43% of the national total, with 355,000 fewer employees than a year before. 

The sector's young workforce is also reflected in the figures, with 78% of those leaving payroll employment under the age of 35, and more than half who have lost jobs being under 25. 

Trade body UKHospitality says the latest figures convey how acutely hospitality has continued to be disproportionately hit by the Covid pandemic.

“Today’s figures convey the current fragility of hospitality but also the sector’s importance to national economic recovery," says Kate Nicholls, UKHospitality chief executive.

"Once again, the increase in unemployment, particularly among younger age groups, underlines the importance of the Government to stick to their commitment to drop Covid restrictions from 21 June, and for continued support for the sector.

“Hospitality business’ ability to reopen will remain massively hampered until the Government can deliver on its commitment to dropping legal requirement of Covid restrictions and measures on 21 June. Even then, with so many companies facing rent debts and business rates bills, after more than a year with little trading, many companies – and thousands more jobs – will be in jeopardy unless further support is forthcoming.

“Should the 21 June date lapse, employer furlough contributions could also tip businesses over the edge. Additional support for jobs, coupled with longer-term plans for training, are vital.”