A new Europe-wide study by EY (formerly Ernst & Young), released today shows the hospitality sector plays a critical role in fighting youth unemployment and is essential for jobs and growth and the health of other sectors of the economy.
The EY study, backed by HOTREC and The Brewers of Europe, found that Europe’s hospitality sector in 2010 directly or indirectly created 1 trillion Euro in output, equal to 8.1% of the EU’s total economic output, and that the multiplier effect of €1 spent in the hospitality sector means another €1.16 invested in the wider economy.
According to the study, which includes country-by-country reports, the sector in 2010 contributed 126 billion Euros to government treasuries in excise duties, Value Added Tax (VAT) and employment and social security taxes, and supported approximately 16.6 million EU jobs – one in every 13 jobs.
The chapter on the UK shows that hospitality related output amounts to 146 billion Euro, and supports 2.7 million UK jobs, with a tax contribution of 22 billion Euro. The sector has rebounded somewhat since the recession, creating 153,000 jobs from 2010 to 2012.
The British Beer & Pub Association, which has supported the report, says the study shows the benefits of measures to support the hospitality sector, with action on red tape and taxation.
Speaking at a launch event in the European Parliament in Brussels, event host UK MEP Emma McClarkin (East Midlands) said:
“Beer is more than just a refreshing drink. The brewing sector is a key part of the hospitality sector. At a time of stagnating economic growth and spiralling youth unemployment, and given the importance of the hospitality sector as a driver of growth and jobs, we need to be sure that policies are helping hospitality and closely linked sectors such as beer, not hindering them.”
Brigid Simmonds, BBPA Chief Executive comments:
“The report shows the importance of the hospitality sector, for both jobs and the economy, throughout Europe and in Britain. Policy makers need to focus on how they can allow the beer and pub sector to create jobs and provide new opportunities for business – not least through taxation, such as more action on business rates and beer duty.”
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For further information please contact:
David Wilson, Director of Public Affairs: 020 7627 9151/ 07557 436 033
Gareth Barrett, Public Affairs Manager Tel: (020) 7627 9154
Neil Williams – Head of Media: 020 7627 9156 / 07974 249 779
Notes to editors:
The British Beer & Pub Association is the UK’s leading organisation representing the brewing and pub sector. Its members account for 96 per cent of the beer brewed in the UK and around half of Britain’s 50,000 pubs.
The full report from the Brewers of Europe is available on line below, with the United Kingdom chapter on pages 266 to 275: http://www.brewersofeurope.
Neil Williams
Head of Media
British Beer & Pub Association
020 7627 9156
07974 249 779