Swindon & Wiltshire News
Riots caused 10 per cent drop in national hospitality sales
Violent disorder and the nationwide threat of rioting last Wednesday caused a 10 per cent drop in sales for the UK’s beleaguered hospitality industry, according to trade body UK Hospitality.
The impact on sales in towns where rumoured protests were planned to take place was as high as 40 per cent, with businesses reporting footfall down by as much as 75 per cent.
City centres saw mass cancellation of events, with many workers instructed to work from home.
Anticipated protests in Swindon and Reading failed to materialise. Meanwhile, in Bristol, thousands of counter-protestors descended on the Old Market area to ward off far-right protestors, who had threatened to target the offices of a law firm specialising in immigration matters.
Over the weekend, the business secretary Jonathan Reynolds backed UK Hospitality’s calls for insurance companies to act swiftly to help businesses recover.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “These figures are startling and show the enormous impact the riots, and threat of further disorder, have had on our high streets and communities.
“Bustling, vibrant city centres were turned into ghost towns as the public stayed at home and businesses shut.
“Thankfully, protests and riots didn’t materialise as feared this weekend and we can now turn to how we support our high streets to recover, at a time when many were already struggling with the affordability of running a hospitality business during challenging economic times.
“Hospitality is the glue that knits our communities together and our sector stands ready to work with the government to play a central role in the renewal of our high streets after the challenges of the last 10 days.
“For those businesses sadly affected, that work has already begun and I’m grateful that the Secretary of State has backed our call for swift action from insurance companies dealing with claims.
“Quick action on practical measures like insurance claims will be crucial for businesses to get back on their feet.”
Image by Tim Mossholder at Pexels
