Hospitality operators have warned the Budget is yet another "attack" on an industry that has faced an onslaught of job losses in the past year.
Operators told The Caterer they feared steep increases to minimum wage rates could disrupt team structures, while hoteliers said the introduction of a so-called tourist tax could make the UK a less attractive place for international travellers.
Business rates will be permanently cut for more than 750,000 retail, hospitality and leisure properties, but UKHospitality warned many firms would still see a rise in their bills.
Some operators were more positive and praised plans for free apprenticeship training for under 25-year-olds, while others said the Budget was “nowhere near as bad as the last”.
Tim Rumney, CEO of BWH Hotels GB comments;
“The sector doesn’t want handouts – we want a fair tax environment to get back to growth. We create jobs across the country, not just in major cities, but in towns and coastal communities. Give us a level playing field and we’ll do what we do best: create employment, welcome visitors and keep Britain thriving.”