Scottish election 2021: Parties urged to pledge support for Scottish hospitality industry

Candidates in the May elections are being urged to sign a pledge supporting Scotland’s ailing hospitality industry or face a potential backlash from voters.

The Scottish Hospitality Group (SHG) has challenged all parties to show their support for hospitality workers. The organisation has produced a manifesto for how the sector and Scottish Government can work together to fight the health and economic impacts of coronavirus.

The pledge card being sent to candidates already confirmed by parties has asked candidates to “acknowledge the vital role” the industry has in youth employment, rural employment, tourism and food and drink production.

It also asks them to “visit a local hospitality business as soon as restrictions permit” to witness safety measures and also to support a joint industry and government working group to focus on ensuring the sector can “bounce back stronger”.

The Scottish Hospitality Group has called on all political parties to pledge to back the industry in their Holyrood manifestos.

Key demands in the manifesto also include supporting a permanent reduction in the VAT rate to 5 per cent on food services and accommodation, converting Bounce Back Loans and Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans into grants for the hardest hit sectors, and directing support to areas of the industry most in need such as pubs and nightclubs.

Stephen Montgomery, spokesperson for the SHG, said: “These are simple, non-political requests and if a candidate isn’t prepared to support them, then it suggests voters might like to ask them some serious questions about their views on this vital industry.

"Hospitality is worth £10.6 billion to the Scottish economy annually and employs 285,000 people, many of whom are young Scots under-25.”

The manifesto also calls for a guarantee of grant support for businesses unable to open due to government-imposed level four restrictions and for a sector-specific job retention scheme until at least March 2022.

It also suggests a phased lifting of restrictions, similar to guidelines in place in autumn last year, which would allow businesses in levels two and three to trade to at least 10pm, while safety measures are in place.

Mr Montgomery said: “Our manifesto has been produced by industry professionals and outlines a clear plan for how the SHG can work with the government to ensure our industry survives.

"It is of paramount importance that the Scottish Government continues to liaise with the hospitality sector to ensure we receive the support we need. People’s livelihoods depend on it.”

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