There is growing evidence of the compelling case for a third, historic cut in beer duty in the Budget, as a new report shows that that an astonishing 870,000 jobs depend on British beer and pubs – and almost half (44 per cent) are younger workers under 25.
The new report, by economic experts Oxford Economics for the British Beer & Pub Association, also finds that the industry adds almost £22 billion to the economy each year, and already pays an astonishing £10 billion in headline taxes.
The industry brings “significant economic benefits to the national economy”, says the report It finds that brewing itself sustains over 100,000 UK jobs, but it is in pubs where the jobs impact is most felt, with 770,000 jobs supported by the nation’s 48,000 pubs.
The report also shows the astonishing tax haul from the industry, of £13 billion per year, through beer and other excise duties, VAT, income tax, corporation tax, and business rates.
- 870,000 jobs supported by beer and pubs, 44 per cent of which are under 25s
- £21.7 billion contribution to the economy in Gross Value Added (GVA)
- Great opportunity for third cut in beer duty, says BBPA
Writing in the report, Adrian Cooper, Chief Executive Officer Oxford Economics, says:
“Our analysis confirms that the UK beer and pub sector continues to be an important source of employment and output at a national and local level. Its activity generates a significant amount of tax contributions, investment and opportunities for young people to enter the labour market.”
Brigid Simmonds, BBPA Chief Executive, comments:
“Our sector supports 870,000 vital jobs, and it is particularly important that we can go on boosting employment, especially for younger people. Two historic beer duty cuts have brought huge benefits. In 2014, beer sales rose, after years of decline, and employment was boosted by 16,000. The Chancellor has a great opportunity to build on this success in the Budget on 18th March, with a third duty cut.”