Labour's Tax Policies Push Pub Owner Phil Thorley to the Brink

Phil Thorley, the owner of a pub chain encompassing 18 venues and employing 400 staff in Broadstairs, Kent, expresses deep concerns over the impact of Labour's tax strategies on his business. He states that maintaining operations is currently more challenging than at any point in his four-decade career, attributing this crisis largely to significant tax increases, especially the National Insurance hike, which he claims has impacted his finances even more severely than the Covid pandemic.

Thorley highlights that his business has incurred an extraordinary financial burden since April, amounting to £8,000 a week, forcing him to reduce part-time positions and limit job opportunities for young people just as summer ends. Looking ahead, he fears that the repercussions will stifle further investment in new venues, leading to fewer job openings and putting additional stress on current employees.

At 62, Thorley acknowledges that while his team is dedicated and enjoys their work in a beautiful location, they face relentless challenges from government actions that seem to unfairly target the hospitality industry. He notes that the reduction of available part-time jobs is affecting youth employment, and as autumn approaches, he anticipates even greater difficulties. Although the recent summer weather brought some reprieve, he foresees turbulent times ahead and emphasizes the importance of caring for his staff amidst ongoing governmental pressures. Thorley concludes that the industry has not yet seen the worst of the challenges it will face, with more struggles likely on the horizon.