Around 5,000 jobs could be lost as 360 pubs are expected to close permanently by the end of 2026, according to a trade body study.
Latest figures from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said that more than half of those affected by these pub closures are expected to be under the age of 25, raising concerns about the impact on young people looking for work and the future of employment in the hospitality industry.
Greg Mulholland, a former MP, Campaign for Pubs Campaign Director and Chair of the British Pub Confederation said: “It’s a huge worry at the moment as for so many people in the UK, their first jobs or early jobs have been in pubs, cafés and restaurants.
“It’s very common for people in their late teens and early twenties, particularly students, to get their first experience of employment in hospitality.
“Government tax rises and increases in the minimum wage are making it harder for businesses to employ people, restricting the number of jobs available and forcing some pubs and restaurants to cut back on staff.”
BBPA said that from January to September this year, England lost 226 pubs in total, out of which London shut down 20.
Mulholland added: “We are in real danger of creating a long-term problem with youth employment.
“Young people are losing the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, learn how to deal with customers, handle money and develop skills that will benefit them throughout their careers.”
Dave Law, landlord of Eagle Ale House in Battersea and also a pub campaigner said: “When a pub closes, people often lose their home and their livelihood at the same time.
“They’re not just losing their job; they’re potentially losing the roof over their heads as well and the impact is quite significant, particularly when it comes to independent pubs.
“Around 80 per cent of their revenue goes back into the local community through staff wages, local suppliers and tradespeople, such as electricians.
“Pubs also contribute through taxation.
“When a pub closes, that money and economic activity disappear from the local area.”
BBPA also said that the government could lose more than £70 million in tax receipts including employment taxes, beer duty, business rates, corporation tax and VAT by the end of 2026.
Emma McClarkin, BBPA CEO said in a statement: “When a local closes, the damage is felt far and wide.
“It’s not just workers, communities, our heritage and high streets who lose out when a pub closes – the Treasury loses, on average, £200,000 in tax receipts every time a local calls last orders.
“We wholeheartedly welcome the Prime Minister’s promise to cut business rates by 20% for pubs from next year which, when it comes in to effect, will be a significant help.
“This will build on the initial commitments to wider reform including the pub valuation methodology and a pub-specific relief recognising their unique social and community value.”
In 2025, the total net pub closure figure in Britain was 336.
Featured Image Credit: Swarali Bodas
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