AN MP is pleased after statistics show the pub industry in the area is recovering.

Mid Worcestershire MP, Nigel Huddleston welcomes the news that the number of pubs in the UK has risen for the first time in a decade. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has recently released a report which shows that after a consistent and worrying trend of pub closures, the pub industry seems to be recovering.

There has been a decline in the number of public houses and bars following the recession, with the lowest numbers generally in 2012 and 2013. But last year 5 more pubs have opened in Wychavon with 310 more across the nation. In Wychavon, there are now 9.4 pubs per 10,000 people, which is significantly higher than the national average of 5.8 per 10,000. Pubs sustain more than 1,500 jobs in pubs and bars in Wychavon alone – 20% more than in 2001.

Interesting trends have been revealed by the ONS report, such as the increase in small pubs (employing less than 10 people). This is welcome news for local customers and makes a change from previous years where larger businesses have been able to stay afloat and smaller businesses have suffered. Interestingly, we are seeing more jobs in the kitchen or involved with food (chefs, cooks and catering and waiting staff).

Nigel Huddleston said: “I welcome this news and I am proud to lend my support to our local pubs and bars that are so important to our area and our communities. It’s great to hear that more pubs are opening, and people are spending their money in our well-loved locals. As well as enjoying the odd pint myself and attending the events organised by the landlords (who can forget Nigel Night at the Fleece), I regularly meet with management and workers in this industry to discuss the challenges they face and I’m very hopeful that we’ll see this industry continue to grow.”