VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Hospitality Industry: Staff

Asked by Edward MorelloLiberal DemocratDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 7 May 2025UIN 49264

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has had recent discussions with representatives of the hospitality industry on the potential impact of increased labour costs on that sector.

Answered by Gareth Thomas

I regularly engage with hospitality businesses, and I am aware of the current challenges they face. Raising the revenue required to fund public services and restore economic stability requires difficult decisions on tax, which is why we are asking employers to contribute more through National Insurance contributions. However, we are raising the threshold at which employers start paying NI to protect the smallest businesses.

Also, we are committed to creating a fairer business rates system to alleviate the pressure on hospitality businesses by introducing permanently lower business rates for RHL properties with a rateable value under £500,000.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim