With England having re-entered lockdown earlier this week and the Treasury only offering a single one-off grant to businesses to help cover the cost, the trade body says it is clear the sector now urgently needs a package of targeted support measures.
Ahead of next Monday’s (11 January) Westminster Hall debate on support for the industry, the trade body has provided a customisable letter template for individuals to use to contact their local representative and ask for them to support the sector.
The template, which is available via the UKHospitality website, calls on MPs to support the introduction of support measures including an extension of the reduced VAT rate and business rates holiday until to the end of 2021; and the creation of a recovery fund for the hospitality and tourism sectors.
It also calls for the development of a roadmap out of the tier system.
In a message to its members, UKHospitality said: "41% of sector businesses suggested that they would fail by mid-2021 and only one in five sector businesses have enough cash flow to survive beyond February.
"When the country emerges from the pandemic, hospitality businesses will be pivotal in restoring a sense of normality. But we can only play this role if we are appropriately supported while restrictions are in place."
