Sheffield hospitality industry needs more support, says MP, as city jobless figures almost double in a year

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the number of people claiming unemployment benefits in Sheffield had increased from 11,125 in January 2020 to 23,075 last month.

Speaking in a debate in the Commons, Sheffield Central MP Mr Blomfield called on the Government to provide more support to the hospitality sector in particular, which is one of his constituency’s biggest employers.

Sheffield Central itself has seen jobless figures more than double from 2,370 in January 2020 to 4,990 last month after many restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs and live music venues were hit particularly hard by the coronavirus crisis.

Mr Blomfield said that while it was right for the Government to take a cautious approach to reopening the economy, the hospitality sector and night time economy, which provide thousands of jobs in Sheffield, must be supported as the country ‘unlocks’.

He said: “Next week’s budget must provide the flexible help the sector needs as we navigate the roadmap out of restrictions and ensure that businesses don’t fall at the first hurdle.”

Highlighting the position of pubs and bars that will only be able to offer outside service initially, he said: “Support is essential not only for businesses that will remain closed, but for those which will initially only be able to open partially and crucially it must extend to their supply chains.

“Continuing VAT and business rates relief will help. So will a smart furlough scheme that doesn’t abandon those who can only open in a limited way.”

The increase means that six per cent of all people in Sheffield are now claiming unemployment benefits, while across South Yorkshire, the overall figure stands at more than 57,000.

The worst hit part of South Yorkshire is Doncaster, where 13,905 people are currently claiming unemployment benefit, or 7.3 per cent of the population.

Across the UK, more than 2.5 million people are now unemployed, an increase of more than 1.2 million on the previous year.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.