Western Daily Press (Saturday)
290,000 jobs in pub and brewing industry at risk
MORE than 290,000 jobs could be lost in pubs and the brewing industry as a result of the virus crisis, a new report warns.
Research for the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) suggested that a third of the industry’s jobs could disappear.
Workers under the age of 25 are likely to be most affected by the loss of employment opportunities, said Oxford Economics.
The consultancy estimated the loss of so many jobs would cost billions of pounds in economic output and wages.
One in four pubs could close without more Government support and of those that do remain, most will only break even at best, with a significant decline in beer sales, said the report.
The BBPA urged the Government to review the 10pm pub curfew at least every three weeks, and provide a package of support for the sector.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “This new evidence shows the Government must change tack by reviewing the effectiveness of restrictive measures like the 10pm curfew and providing a far greater package of financial support to save the pub and brewing sector.
“It would be inexcusable to allow more than 290,000 sector jobs to be lost with a £7 billion hit to the economy, when it could be avoided with the right Government support to help keep pubs and breweries open.
“Protecting these jobs – many of which are held by under 25s – will also avoid the economy being hit by the loss of £3.9 billion in wages alone.
“When this epidemic ends it will be key to driving the economic bounce back we will desperately need.
“For that to happen though the Government must invest in it now to ensure it’s still here to play that role.”