Hospitality ‘worst hit’ by pandemic, ONS figures confirm

Figures published today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that hospitality was the sector most severely hit by the pandemic, as the UK enters its first recession since the 2008 financial crisis.

While rural operators are benefiting from the staycation boom, London hotels continue to see the lowest occupancy in the country with an average of 25%, according to analyst STR, and some properties at 10% or less.

Hospitality Insurance Action Group (HIAG), which has taken part in legal action against the major business insurers, has said that a significant number of claims which were previously denied may still be claimable.

Trade bodies have issued a plea for government intervention in the rent crisis, calling for the introduction of grants to cover 50% of unpaid rents across retail, leisure and hospitality for six months.