Official data reveals that jobs in the hospitality sector in the six counties dropped by 2000 during 2025 falling to 55,000 and marking a 3.5pc decline while overall economy wide employment rose by 1.3pc.
The sector faces ongoing struggles even as tourists begin returning to areas such as Belfast city centre with new hotel developments like the Bedford Hotel nearing completion.
Hospitality Ulster representative Colin Neill attributed the losses to rising costs including higher employers national insurance contributions energy bills and business rates which have forced many businesses to cut opening hours reduce services and operate on shorter weeks rather than close outright.
Unite trade union official Neil Moore criticised the reliance on insecure contracts and reduced hours noting that workers often bear the brunt of these pressures through unstable shifts and the need for second jobs.
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