#business-rates-reform

#business-rates-reform

It's "entirely plausible" the hospitality sector could lose a further 100,000 workers as a result of the Autumn Budget, according to its trade body. UKHospitality claims the risk stems from minimum wage rises, the introduction of a tourist tax and an overhaul of business rates. Its chief executive Allen Simpson says he is particularly worried about the impact on youth employment, as the sector has already shed an estimated 100,000 jobs since the Budget of October 2024, "including many early career opportunities".

Britain's high streets face a critical moment, the Co-op has warned, as new research reveals 60,000 small shops and 150,000 jobs could disappear without urgent business rates reform. The findings, released ahead of the Autumn Budget, show around 7 in 10 UK adults (69%) lack confidence that the Government will deliver on its promise of relief for small businesses - despite repeated pledges in previous budgets.