BII calls on Chancellor to recognise and reverse the harm being done to independently run pubs and their people

Steve Alton, CEO of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), has today written to the Chancellor following the stark results of their recent survey. 

Steve Alton commented:

“With 83% being forced to reduce team shifts and 63% reducing their head counts through recruitment freezes or redundancies, working people stand to see a reduction in the money in their pockets, contrary to Government’s intentions. 

“Our members, despite positive trading for many, are having to take drastic action to keep their heads above water. The only one to benefit from these tax rises is the Treasury. Not hardworking team members and certainly not the licensees who despite the incredible pressures they are facing serve their communities with passion and commitment.

“Government needs to understand the dire consequences for our economy, our unemployment rates and our mental health and welfare services if they do not take notice of the reality for pubs across the UK, who collect billions in tax every year, and provide safe, accessible spaces for all to connect and celebrate.”