Partner Article

Government misses chance to create 440,000 leisure jobs

The Government is missing out on the opportunity to create 440,000 jobs in the leisure industry, according to sector chiefs.

In a letter to the Daily Telegraph, industry leaders from gambling and drinks companies criticised the Government for hitting the sector with an extra £3.2 billion in costs, calling on them to “acknowledge the importance of our industry”.

According to a recent report by Business in Sport and Leisure and Oliver Wyman, the industry is responsible for 9% of UK employment, and more than a fifth of jobs for 16-25 year olds - which is more than manufacturing, construction and financial services combined.

Industry leaders believe that the industry could become a leading driver for growth, and has the potential to create up to 440,000 new jobs by 2020.

In the letter, bosses called on the Government to appoint “a ministerial champion for ‘Leisure’ at Cabinet level”, as this could help to create opportunities for those not in education, employment or training through employer tax incentives.

It also encouraged the Government to adopt “a more balanced fiscal and regulatory regime that reduces the £3.2 billion of extra costs currently holding back the industry”.

“Significant actions such as these will help the Industry become a leading force in job creation and the future growth of the UK economy,” it added.

Signatories include representatives from Ladbrokes, William Hill and Gala Coral, JD Weatherspoons and Enterprise Inns.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .