Port Talbot pub owner asks his children to work because he cannot afford staff

A Port Talbot pub owner asked his children to work because he could not afford staff; trade groups have urged the Welsh government to review business rates while ministers say they have provided targeted relief.

A Port Talbot pub owner reportedly asked his children to work because he could not afford to hire staff. The report has focused attention on business rates and other costs facing pubs in Wales. Trade bodies including the British Beer and Pub Association and UK Hospitality Wales have called on the Welsh government to review planned changes to rates. The Welsh government says it recognises the pressure and notes it has provided relief and transitional funding. Key points: - The article reports the Port Talbot pub owner asked his children to work because he could not afford staff. - Trade bodies, including the British Beer and Pub Association and UK Hospitality Wales, have called for a review of planned changes to business rates in Wales. - A Welsh government spokesperson said the administration had provided substantial rates relief, confirmed an additional £116m in transitional relief, and has provided more than £1bn in temporary support since 2020. - It is reported that almost half of pubs in Wales will continue to benefit from Small Business Rates Relief next year and that over a quarter will pay no rates. Summary: The reported decision by the Port Talbot owner has been used by trade groups to highlight financial pressure on pubs and their role in communities. The Welsh government says it has supplied targeted relief and transitional funding, and organisations have urged further review. Undetermined at this time.