Tom Kerridge says 'hospitality isn't employing right now'

Restaurateurs, publicans and cafes owners have urged the next Prime Minister to slash VAT to prevent further venue closures and the decimation of youth jobs.

One in six businesses are at risk of closing in the next 12 weeks, according to new research produced by the British Institute of Innkeeping, UKHospitality, the British Beer and Pub Association and HospitalityUlster.

Tom Kerridge, who is a familiar face on cooking television shows including Saturday Kitchen and Bake Off, called on the public to put pressure on politicians for a VAT cut.

He led calls from small business owners for the tax to be cut from 20pc to 10pc to help businesses avoid closures, job losses and price cuts.

It comes as Ireland will tomorrow (1 Wednesday July) cut its VAT rate for hospitality from 13.5pc to 9pc.