Jardine Urges Support for Edinburgh’s Hospitality Industry during Festive Season

Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine is calling on both the Scottish and UK Governments to help the hospitality sector in Edinburgh flourish during the Christmas season.

 In 2023, Christmas celebrations brought an estimated 3 million visitors to Edinburgh, highlighting a huge opportunity for restaurants, pubs, and hotels across the city.

Ms. Jardine worries that the UK Government’s recent decision to increase Employers’ National Insurance contributions will have a profoundly negative impact on the hospitality sector, potentially limiting their ability to hire and retain staff at a crucial time of year.

 Christine Jardine said:

 ‘The hospitality industry in Edinburgh will undoubtedly be feeling let down by this Government’s decision to increase Employers’ National Insurance contributions. 

‘The Labour Party have damaged business confidence in this country, and as a result, many bars, restaurants and hotels will feel on unstable footing going into an incredibly busy time of year.

‘While the festive season can bring in massive amounts of business to Edinburgh, if the industry can’t afford to keep employing more workers, they will be badly hurt. The Chancellor must reverse course and call of these damaging tax increases.’