‘1m hospitality jobs under threat after furlough ends’

MORE than a million hospitality jobs could be lost if the Government’s furlough scheme is not extended, Labour is warning. The party said more than a million workers in the industry are still furloughed, and there are fears many hospitality businesses plan to make staff redundant in the next three months.

Labour said the furlough scheme is approaching a “cliff edge” in April and should be extended, as well as reformed to include new training incentives to help workers improve their skills. The party also called for the reduced rate of VAT for the hospitality, leisure and cultural sectors to continue for another six months, or until three months after the lifting of health restrictions – whichever is later.

Lucy Powell, shadow minister for business and consumers, said: “Business owners want to protect their livelihoods and those of their employees, but they can’t plan in the dark and they’re crying out for certainty from the Government on business rates, VAT and the furlough scheme.”