I'm thrilled to hear that the number of pubs in the UK has risen for the first time in a decade. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has recently released a report which shows that after a consistent and worrying trend of pub closures, the pub industry seems to be recovering.
There has been a decline in the number of public houses and bars following the recession, with the lowest numbers generally in 2012 and 2013. But last year 5 more pubs have opened in Wychavon with 310 more across the nation. In Wychavon, there are now 9.4 pubs per 10,000 people, which is significantly higher than the national average of 5.8 per 10,000. Of course, in rural areas like Worcestershire, we recognise and value our pubs for their contribution to communities. They contribute massively to the economy and there are 1,500 jobs in pubs and bars across Wychavon – 20% more than 2001.
Interesting trends have been revealed by the ONS report, such as the increase in small pubs employing less than 10 people. This is welcome news for local customers and makes a change from previous years where larger businesses have been able to stay afloat and smaller businesses have suffered. Interestingly, we are seeing more jobs in the kitchen or involved with food (chefs, cooks and catering and waiting staff). This is contrary to previous decades where there would have been more employees on bar duty than in the kitchens behind, and more customers spending money on pints than pub lunches.
I absolutely lend my support to our local pubs and bars and this industry is so important to our area and our communities. I welcome the news that more pubs are opening, and people are spending their money in our well-loved locals. As well as enjoying the odd pint myself and attending the events organised by the landlords (who can forget Nigel Night), I regularly meet with company leaders and workers in this industry to discuss the challenges they face. I’m very hopeful that we’ll see this industry continue to grow and recover and the numbers will hopefully keep increasing.
