Hunt must tackle worker shortage hobbling London’s economy, business groups warn

According to data published by accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young, some 512 pub and bar companies went bust in 2022, up from 280 the previous year – with the firm citing inflation and rising energy bills as the key reasons for closures.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, told City A.M. that the scale of insolvencies is unfortunately reflective of the “enormous challenges” facing hospitality, and many pubs are now at “breaking point”. 

“Soaring energy costs, labour shortages, record food and drink inflation, industrial action and debt from pandemic loans, to name a few, will eventually deal a fatal blow to businesses, and we’re seeing that in these figures,” she said. 

It comes as the government revealed it is set to reduce the amount of relief it provides businesses and public sector organisations in relation to energy bills in April. 

The current Energy Bill Relief Scheme, which was announced in September, has provided £18bn to businesses to help with soaring costs. 

However, this support package will now be replaced with the Energy Bills Discount Scheme which will see the amount reduced to £5.5bn. 

“The spiralling cost of energy has been our members’ number one concern for close to a year now and remains so,”  Emma McClarkin, chief executive, of the British Beer and Pub Association, told City A.M. 

Read more at City A.M.