23 June 2020
- As UK leaves lockdown, nation says which industries need most economic help
- British tourism and councils round up the top 5
- “There is clearly a desire to get the economy moving again” says AA president
Two thirds (64%*) of Brits say that the UK hospitality trade needs the most economic assistance as lockdown restrictions ease, according to the AA.
The survey of more than 17,000 AA members carried out last week also showed that High Street Retail (38%) and self-employed manual workers such as plumbers and electricians (36%) needed the most support.
With the Prime Minister announcing an easing of lockdown measures and proposing more businesses open from 4 July, the nation has turned its attention to the economic recovery from the crisis.
The top 10 industries AA members felt needed the most economic support are as follows;
| Rank | Industry | Support(%) | Rank | Industry | Support(%) |
| 1. | Hospitality (i.e. pubs, hotels etc) | 64% | 6. | Public transport | 22% |
| 2 | High Street retail | 38% | 7. | Airlines | 15% |
| 3. | Self-employed manual workers (i.e. plumbers, electricians etc) | 36% | 8. | Hair & Beauty | 9% |
| 4. | British tourism (i.e. holiday parks, campsites etc) | 35% | 9. | Automotive manufacturing | 6% |
| 5. | Local authorities | 29% | 10. | Overseas tourism | 4% |
Getting people back to work is going to be a challenge, but there is clearly a desire to get the economy moving again, whilst maintaining social distancing.
Edmund King, AA president says; “This has clearly been a tough time for many industries across the country. It would be awful for the nation if some businesses decide they simply can’t open their doors again, or fold soon after.
“One of the worst hit industries has been the hospitality sector which provides many youngsters with their first opportunity in the job market. Getting people back to work is going to be a challenge, but there is clearly a desire to get the economy moving again, whilst maintaining social distancing.
“Local businesses will be encouraged that the most support is aimed at helping them get back to work and will look to capitalise on this opportunity. Conversely, the lack of support for airlines and overseas tourism will be of concern to these industries, as it shows there is still work to do before the public is convinced to travel abroad.”
*AA Populus Driver Poll was carried out between 9th and 16th June 2020 and had 17,162 responses.