Trade Associations

The latest news and updates on trade associations, from the business journalists at Catering Today. We bring you the latest on what’s happening in the restaurants, bars and catering industry, with exclusive stories, analysis, best practice and industry comment.

Dec- 2024 -

5 December

UKH Scotland welcomes business rates relief but warns thousands excluded

UKHospitality Scotland has said the new 40% business rates relief for hospitality businesses announced in the recent Scottish Budget will provide “much-needed support” for eligible hospitality businesses, but highlighted that thousands will miss out. In yesterday’s (4 December 2024) Budget, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government Shona Robison…
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4 December

Employment Rights Bill must reflect sector’s position, UKH says

UKH has urged the government to ensure the “unique” circumstances of the industry are reflected in any changes made to the Employment Rights Bill. It comes as the Bill’s four technical consultations officially closed this week (Tuesday 2 December). The trade body has submitted responses to each consultation, building on…
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Nov- 2024 -

26 November

UKH attends spiking prevention roundtable with prime minister

UKHospitality has attended a roundtable with the prime minister to discuss spiking prevention and new training for hospitality businesses. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, joined Sir Keir Starmer, the prime minister, and Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, to speak about how we will be supporting the Home Office in…
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25 November

UKH calls for a Foundation Economy Sector Council

UKHospitality has called for the creation of a Foundation Economy Sector Council, in response to the consultation on the Industrial Strategy. It comes after the impact of the autumn budget on sectors like hospitality is said to demonstrate “the risks of focusing only on a small number of high economic…
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22 November

UKH urges Scottish govt to bring in 40% business rates relief

UKH has called for the Scottish government to introduce at least 40% business rates relief for hospitality business, as new analysis from the trade body reveals that Scottish hospitality businesses will be significantly worse off than their English counterparts. While hospitality businesses in England will receive 40% relief, Scottish businesses…
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8 November

UKH welcomes ‘short-term’ fix of interest rates cut

UKHospitality has welcomed the Bank of England’s interest rates cut from 5% to 4.75%, saying it is “positive news in the short-term”, particularly those still struggling with pandemic debt repayments, and consumer confidence. However, the trade body said it believes the benefits of this cut is overshadowed by the looming…
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Oct- 2024 -

10 October

UKH calls for consultation on Employment Rights Bill

UKHospitality has called for an ongoing consultation of the government’s Employment Rights Bill to avoid “unintended negative consequences”, saying that changes are not without cost. While the trade body welcomes the government’s recognition of the importance of employment flexibility, it believes that protecting access to zero hours contracts is “essential”…
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Sep- 2024 -

19 September

ASLEF accepts pay deal ending industrial action

Train drivers union ASLEF has voted to accept a multi-year pay deal bringing to an end a two-year dispute with 16 train companies. Members of the union voted 96% in favour of the deal which will see drivers receive a pay rise of 15% over the next three years. Secretary…
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11 September

Hospitality vacancies fall below 100,000 for first time since pandemic

Job vacancies in food service and accommodation have fallen below 100,000 for the first time since the pandemic, falling to 98,000, in what UKH has called a “positive milestone” for the sector. However, vacancies still remain 5,000 higher than pre-pandemic levels of 93,000, the ONS’ labour market overview has revealed. …
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Aug- 2024 -

29 August

NTIA boss criticises proposed outdoor smoking ban

Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) CEO Michael Kill has accused the government of pushing the country towards a “nanny state” over a proposed ban of smoking outside certain venues. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed that ministers are looking at banning smoking in a variety of places, including pub gardens,…
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