New analysis by the Labour Party shows the serious situation
facing the hospitality and culture sectors in the UK, as tens of
thousands of businesses report fears they may not survive in the
New Year.
Labour’s analysis of ONS data has shown a shocking one in every
five businesses reported they were at risk of going under, whilst
one in three reported lower festive sales. In the culture sector,
almost one in ten are at moderate or severe risk of insolvency,
and one in three have reported a lower turnover. Astonishingly,
this analysis covers the month before Omicron hit, suggesting
things could get even worse for the sector as parties are
cancelled and orders dry up.
The Party slammed the Chancellor's decision to leave British
business in the dark while jetting off to America. Remarkably,
Ministers only convened a roundtable with hard hit sectors
yesterday, and confirmed they will “continue to work with
industry leaders over the coming days” despite firms calling for
help now.
Already, without official lockdown restrictions, many theatres
have cancelled their Christmas runs, which especially for local
and regional theatres can bring in up to 25% of their yearly
income.
Labour has written to the Chancellor calling on him to come out
of hiding and provide much needed support for British business.
Labour has set out its own plans to help businesses through this
tough period, with action to ease the burden of debt repayments,
cutting business rates for small businesses and creating a
functioning system of self-isolation support.
, Labour’s Shadow
Business Secretary, said:
“Every day the Chancellor is missing in action is an insult to
the British businesses and workers who have struggled to get to
this point.
"They are now facing closure by stealth from a Government without
the authority to take the public health measures required and
back it up with economic support.
"Firms are clear in their message to Government, they need help
now not just warm words. Labour backs British business and
workers with our plans to fix sick pay, ease the burden of debt
repayments and cut business rates for small businesses.”
