A SURVEY into the industry’s perspective about the economic and political outlook for the UK has revealed that many do not feel supported by either the government or those supposedly representing their interests.
The poll results from Footprint’s recent ‘Industry Survey’ showed that 80% of those asked believed that tax burdens for small hospitality businesses needed reviewing, while no respondents answered yes to the question ‘Do you feel that this industry’s representatives are doing enough to highlight the plight of UK small businesses in regards to tax issues?’
Despite the concerns of the industry over onerous operating conditions, the majority (60%) supported an increase of the minimum wage to £7 and another 20% supported the minimum wage rising further.
Nick Fenwicke-Clennell, CEO of Footprint which recently launched a campaign to drive support for the hospitality industry to commit to paying the living wage commented: “The economy is starting to get back on track with evidence that businesses are feeling optimistic about the general operating environment this year.
“However, it’s also clear that the support they need to capitalise on higher consumer spending is not forthcoming. Both local and central government has failed to reduce rates or cut taxes to drive growth in the fifth biggest sector in the country – it’s therefore not a surprise operators are feeling as if they are going it alone.
“We call on the business secretary now to ensure that the sector – which generates huge swathes of income for the UK as a whole and is a major employer for young people – is given the support it needs to stay on top of its game.”
For more information about Footprint go to www.footprint.digital
