Reopen Night Tube to support London’s night-time economy, says report

(PA)

Sadiq Khan and TfL must reopen the Night Tube in full “as soon as is feasibly possible” to ensure that London’s night-time economy recovers from the pandemic, according to a new report.

The London Assembly economy committee on Wednesday published its report on rebuilding the capital’s night-time economy based on testimony from key industry stakeholders and experts.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, night-time businesses in London contributed between £17 billion and £26 billion to the UK economy, employing almost 600,000 people.

Although night-time businesses were able to fully reopen in July, the report has found that “the situation remains precarious”, with footfall still below pre-pandemic levels and advance bookings for 2022 lower than expected.

Included among the report’s recommendations is that the Mayor of London and TfL should “set out an appropriate timetable” for the full return of the Night Tube, while providing “as much notice as possible” to enable businesses to plan for its return.

Closed since March 2020, the Night Tube partially reopened on November 27 with the return of night-time services on the Victoria and Central lines, but the reopening has faced disruption due to strikes over TfL’s Night Tube staff rotas.

Shaun Bailey, chair of the economy committee, has said that it is “crucial” that London’s night-time economy receives the help it needs “to keep the lights on”.

Mr Bailey said: “It has been remarkable to witness how quickly London’s night-time economy has bounced back from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“London’s nightlife is one of the most vibrant in the world and we all need to wake up to the enormous social and economic contribution it makes to our city and country.

“Following months of uncertainty and upheaval, we need to rebuild consumer confidence, address skills and labour shortages, and drive footfall to venues. It’s crucial that the Mayor does everything he can to support London’s night-time economy and that it receives the continuous help it needs, to keep the lights on.”

The report has also called on City Hall to help “improve perceptions and working conditions” of jobs such as door supervisors which are facing “catastrophic” labour shortages.

Back in September, the economy committee was told by Night Time Industries Association CEO Michael Kill that the industry was facing “very difficult times ahead”.

Mr Kill warned that there was a “hugely challenging environment” for staffing nightlife venues, particularly with regard to door staff.

The committee’s report found that negative perceptions around jobs such as door supervisors are “acting as a barrier to attracting more workers into the night-time economy”.

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