Despite this rise in consumer confidence, trade body UKHospitality has warned that the industry remains in a ‘fragile state’ with businesses fighting for survival on a number of fronts, not least the critical shortage of staff.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “Eating and drinking out is safe and we encourage everyone to rediscover their favourite venues if they haven’t already. However, while rising customer numbers is welcome news, the hospitality sector is by no means out of the woods. Hospitality venues are struggling to return to pre-pandemic levels of revenue with staff shortages hindering their recovery.
“In order to rebuild, the sector needs the Government to put in place a supportive landscape which includes an extension of the business rates holiday until at least October and a permanently lower rate of VAT for the sector. Such measures will allow the hospitality sector and the people it supports to play a full role in the UK’s economic recovery.”
The latest ONS figures released last week showed UK job vacancies at a record high, with the hospitality sector reporting a 10% vacancy rate – equal to 210,000 roles.