The UK economy shrank by 9.9% in 2020 with the output of the accommodation and food services sector now 51.8% lower than last year.
The Q4 UKHospitality Quarterly Tracker, produced by CGA, showed a 54% drop in sales cross hospitality in 2020, making hospitality responsible for one-third of the UK economy’s annual contraction.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, commented: “If we are capable of having such a hugely detrimental impact, we are just as capable of a hugely beneficial one, though.
“If our businesses are given the support they need to survive the remaining months of the crisis and put in a position to thrive again, they can drive the recovery of the nation.
“Hospitality must be prioritised for support and put at the heart of the Government’s plans for reopening the country. If we are given a chance to do what we do best, we can kick-start the economy and provide investment and jobs in every region of the UK.
“If the Government gives us an extension of the VAT cut and the business rates holiday at next month’s Budget, then we will be in a much better position to help turn things around. The statistics published this morning show that there is really no other option for the Government than to back us totally.”