The State could face a €1bn bill from the hospitality sector if it loses a legal action over the impact of Covid-19 restrictions, a leading economist has warned. In a report commissioned by the hospitality group, economist Jim Power predicted the financial repercussions for the State, if it fails to successfully defend the case, could be “severe” and result in a bill of up to €1bn from the hospitality sector. Mr Power outlined figures indicating the hospitality sector was disproportionately impacted by restrictions. Of 350,072 people on the PUP in the week to November 17, the accommodation and food services sector accounted for 102,682 or 29.3pc. “Many of those young people work in the hospitality sector and have been worst affected by the crisis,” said Mr Power.

Source: Irish Independent November 24, 2020 12:41 UTC