With the UK general election approaching on July 4th, understanding each political party’s proposals for the hospitality sector is crucial for industry professionals.

 

Apprenticeships

The Conservative Party aims to create 100,000 more apprenticeships annually to bolster the hospitality workforce. Labour plans to reform the apprenticeship levy to allow for more flexible, tailored courses. The Liberal Democrats propose replacing the apprenticeship levy with a broader skills and training levy. Plaid Cymru focuses on identifying sectors in need of apprentices, offering them a living wage, free travel, and meals. The Reform Party emphasizes increasing technical courses and apprenticeships to better prepare workers for the hospitality industry.

 

Business Rates

The Conservatives plan to ease business rates for high street and hospitality businesses to reduce financial burdens. Labour seeks to replace the current system with a fairer method. The Liberal Democrats advocate abolishing business rates in favour of a Commercial Landowner Levy. The Green Party aims to empower local authorities to exempt essential enterprises. Plaid Cymru intends to reform business rates to support small businesses, while the Reform Party proposes abolishing rates for small businesses and taxing large multinationals more heavily.

 

Immigration and Hiring Overseas Workers

The Conservative Party plans to cap migration and raise visa thresholds, impacting the hospitality sector’s ability to hire overseas workers. Labour aims to streamline immigration processes to facilitate hiring. The Liberal Democrats support a flexible, merit-based visa system. The Greens propose ending income requirements for immigrant spouses. Plaid Cymru seeks Welsh control over visa schemes, and the SNP wants full powers over Scottish immigration. The Reform Party focuses on restricting student dependents and introducing new visa rules for international students.

 

Minimum Wage

The Conservatives plan to maintain the National Living Wage, projecting it to reach £13 per hour. Labour intends to adjust the minimum wage to the cost of living and eliminate age bands. The Liberal Democrats propose a National Minimum Wage for apprentices and higher wages for zero-hour contracts. The Green Party aims to raise the minimum wage to £15 per hour and reduce National Insurance for small businesses. The SNP supports aligning the minimum wage with the National Living Wage, adjusting it for inflation.

 

Minister for Tourism and Hospitality

The Liberal Democrats propose the creation of a dedicated Minister of State for Tourism and Hospitality, highlighting the importance of this sector within the government.

 

Pubs and the Night-Time Economy

The Conservative Party promises a review to reverse the decline of pubs and clubs. Labour proposes a community ‘right to buy’ scheme for assets like pubs to keep them operational. The Liberal Democrats advocate for greater local authority control over night-time economy policies. The Greens suggest reviewing planning regulations to better support hospitality venues.

 

VAT and Tax-Free Shopping

The Green Party and the SNP both seek to address VAT issues in the hospitality sector, with the Greens aiming to reduce VAT and the SNP proposing lower rates for hospitality and tourism. The Reform Party wants to reinstate tax-free shopping for tourists and raise the VAT threshold to £150,000, benefiting small hospitality businesses.

 

Workers’ Rights

The Conservatives aim to balance strike rights with the public’s rights, ensuring minimal disruption. Labour proposes comprehensive protection for workers, including a ban on zero-hours contracts. The Liberal Democrats plan to establish a Worker Protection Authority and extend rights to gig economy workers. The Greens advocate for equal rights for all workers, a four-day workweek, and stronger unions. Plaid Cymru seeks to abolish zero-hours contracts and protect the right to disconnect from work. The SNP supports protecting strike rights and scrapping zero-hours contracts, while the Reform Party proposes penalties for illegal hiring and easing employment laws to benefit businesses.

 

Other Policies

The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats support a Deposit Return Scheme to encourage recycling within the hospitality industry. The Conservative Party also maintains lower alcohol duties, with Labour hinting at a potential beer tax freeze. Various parties have additional initiatives, ranging from local food procurement and free school meals to enhanced venue security measures through Martyn’s Law.