Calls for VAT cut to help 'save Scotland's hospitality sector'

Scottish hospitality leaders have urged the UK Government to cut VAT to prevent the beleaguered sector from plunging further into crisis.

Businesses say they have been left “bruised and battered” after the coronavirus pandemic, the cost of living crisis, rising fuel bills and national insurance hikes.

The Scottish Hospitality Group says the industry lost thousands of jobs in August and is calling for urgent action to help struggling businesses.

One such measure would be to reduce the rate of VAT for food sales by hospitality businesses to bring the UK in line with countries such as Germany, France, Spain and Italy.