British tourism hotspots saw big leaps in unemployment as the coronavirus crisis gripped the country, figures reveal today(FRI).
Average jumps of 150% were recorded in people claiming out-of-work benefits in the 20 areas with the highest proportion of tourism jobs – 38% higher than the UK average, according to Labour.
Popular destinations like Whitby, North Yorks; Penzance, Cornwall; and Fort William, in the Highlands – areas where tourism “directly supports” at least one job in four – were worst-affected.
Kendal in the Lake District saw a 200% rise in those claiming out-of-work benefits – 1,045 more people compared with before the Covid-19 outbreak.
Shadow Business Minister Seema Malhotra said: “Businesses and workers have done the right thing during this crisis in the most difficult of circumstances, and these figures suggest those working in the tourism industry have been hit particularly hard.
“While the vaccine rollout and roadmap to reopening is good news for businesses, it’s clear that ministers should not expect businesses saddled with debt taken on to survive the crisis to simply bounce back.
“It is far from job done.”
A Treasury spokesman said: “Our Plan for Jobs is working – but we know that many businesses still need our help.
“That’s why as well as providing billions of pounds in loans, we’ve extended measures in our £350billion economic support package including furlough, grants and tax cuts.
“We will continue to take the necessary steps to support British firms as we cautiously reopen the economy.”
