Gordon Ramsay says tax changes will make restaurants ‘lambs to the slaughter’
Celebrity chef warns UK government’s plans for higher business rates from April ‘simply will not work’
TL;DR
- Gordon Ramsay accuses the government of implementing tax changes that will negatively impact UK restaurants.
- He describes the situation as a "kitchen nightmare" and a "bloodbath" for the hospitality industry.
- Rising business rates, higher energy, staffing, and ingredient costs, alongside stagnant consumer spending, are contributing to restaurant closures.
- Ramsay believes the current situation is worse than the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis due to the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
- He calls for a reduction in rates and slower implementation of changes, emphasizing the need for government consultation with the industry.
- The trade body UKHospitality forecasts significant closures of restaurants, hotels, and pubs if hospitality-wide assistance is not introduced.
- Increased cost of living is preventing households from dining out, making it difficult for restaurants to pass on higher costs to customers.
- The current conditions are discouraging entrepreneurial chefs from opening new establishments.