Hospitality Sector Employment 2026-07-02

2026-07-02

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer

Salisbury

▸ Context

The question is prompted by concerns about employment trends and the economic impact of national insurance changes on part-time workers in the hospitality sector. John Glen mentions a 25% drop in temporary work last summer and an increase in employer national insurance contributions.

What assessment has been made of trends in employment levels in the hospitality sector? Last summer there was a 25% drop in temporary work, and part-time jobs for young workers are not there at the moment. The cost of employer national insurance contributions increased by 73%. Hospitality is critical to Salisbury as we move towards our 800-year celebration next year.

Kate Dearden

The hospitality sector supported around 2.1 million jobs last year, or around 6% of total employment. Employment has grown by over 18% in the past decade. We support jobs through skills investment, including new hospitality apprenticeships and incentives for SMEs to recruit young people.

▸ Assessment & feedback

The Minister did not address the specific issues of temporary work drop or national insurance contributions increase for part-time workers.

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Q2 Partial Answer

John Glen Con

Salisbury

▸ Context

The question is prompted by concerns about the impact of recent national insurance changes on part-time workers in the hospitality sector, particularly noting a 25% drop in temporary work and a significant increase in employer national insurance contributions.

I thank the Minister for her answer. Hospitality is critical to Salisbury as we move towards our 800-year celebration next year. Last summer there was a 25% drop in temporary work, and the cost of employer national insurance contributions increased by 73%. Part-time jobs for the youngest workers are not there at the moment. Something significant needs to change in Government's approach.

Kate Dearden

I thank the right hon. Member for raising the vital role that the hospitality sector plays. I am keen to continue listening to businesses, understanding their challenges. We have launched a youth jobs grant this week and want to keep working with businesses to support them.