Pub jobs up despite rise in closures in past decade
About 11,000 pubs have closed in the UK in the last 10 years – but today there are 6% more jobs in pubs and bars than there were in 2008.
A new report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) says the largest increases in employment have been in pubs with 10 or more employees, possibly because pubs are increasingly focused on serving food as well as beverages, which requires more waiting and kitchen staff.
In 2008, UK pubs had a median number of five employees, a number that has increased to eight employees by 2018. The ONS attributes this trend in part to the closure of many smaller pubs.
The ONS goes on to say: “The rise in employment has been more pronounced in rural pubs, where in 2018 total employment in England and Wales is up 17% compared with 2008. In contrast, total employment in urban pubs rose by only 4% over the same period.”
• Comment below on this story. You can also tweet us to tell us your thoughts or share this story with a friend. Our editorial email is [email protected]
