Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of reports that lower-paying sectors including hospitality and retail have experienced some of the largest falls in payroll employment and vacancies; what support the Government is providing to businesses in those sectors to retain staff; and whether Ministers have considered temporary reliefs or targeted interventions to prevent further job losses.

The department monitors labour market trends closely and recognises pressures in sectors such as retail and hospitality.

We have introduced permanently lower business‑rates multipliers for retail, hospitality and leisure properties, introduced a £4.3 billion transitional support package and are bringing forward a new High Streets Strategy, to help reinvigorate our communities. In January, the government announced a major support package focused on business rates and licensing reform to help pubs facing sustained pressures with every pub receiving a 15% cut to new business rates bills, followed by a two year real-terms freeze. We have significantly increased the Hospitality Support Fund, with £10 million funding over three years, and have protected the smallest businesses and charities from the impact of the increase to employer NICs by more than doubling the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500.

To create more opportunities for young people at the start of their careers, we have expanded foundation apprenticeships into hospitality and retail.

Ministers continue to engage closely with industry through forums such as the Retail and Hospitality Sector Councils, and keep support under review, focusing on long-term resilience.