Rail strikes ‘cost UK hospitality sector £1.5bn in December alone’

Figure worse than predicted and head of industry body expects more business failures' in early 2023

The rail strikes have had a worse impact on the UK's hospitality industry than expected - costing bars, pubs, restaurants and hotels 1.5bn in December alone - according to the head of the body representing the sector.

Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of UKHospitality, said this had contributed to a perfect storm" for businesses battling high energy bills and a cost of living crisis, adding this meant undoubtedly we will see more business failures" in the next three months.