Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
Amazon on Wednesday (2) said it created 25,000 permanent jobs in the UK last year, more than double the anticipated amount, as the coronavirus pandemic triggered a worldwide boom in online shopping.
As the US e-commerce giant prepares to unveil another set of gigantic earnings Thursday (3), Amazon said in a statement that its UK workforce now stood at more than 70,000 staff.
The group had in May said it was planning 10,000 new UK jobs in 2021.
"We are proud to have created so many new permanent jobs across the UK in the last year," Amazon UK Country Manager, John Boumphre, said in the statement.
Amazon added that it plans 1,500 new apprentice positions this year, where recruits study while carrying out their jobs.
Last month, the US firm said that is reconsidering a decision to ban payments in the UK made with Visa credit cards, as the pair seek to resolve a dispute over fees.
Amazon's plan because of "high" fees has been put on hold, a statement said.
"We are working closely with Visa on a potential solution that will enable customers to continue using their Visa credit cards on Amazon.co.uk," Amazon said in January.
A Visa spokesman added that the two companies are working "closely together" to reach an agreement.
Licensing reforms let pubs host events and serve outdoors with ease
South Asian workers turned pub rejection into a thriving desi pub scene.
South Asian pubs mix Indian cuisine, Punjabi beats, and British pub culture.
From rejection to reinvention
When south Asian foundry and factory workers arrived in England decades ago, they faced a harsh reality, refusal at the pub doors and their response was by building their own. From The Scotsman in Southall over 50 years old, run by Shinda Mahal, to Birmingham’s The Grove and The Covered Wagon, these establishments emerged as immigrant workers from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh moved to the West Midlands.
Now, as the UK government launches a fast-track review to scrap outdated licensing rules, these south Asian pubs stand ready to write a new chapter in British hospitality. “Pubs and bars are the beating heart of our communities. Under our Plan for Change, we’re backing them to thrive”, said prime minister Keir Starmer.
The new reforms aim to slash pointless restrictions that have stifled community events and local venues for years. From serving food outside to hosting live music, red tape has made simple operations unnecessarily complex. For south Asian pub owners, who have already overcome decades of resistance, this signals an opportunity to expand while maintaining the cultural spaces they fought to establish.
The spirit of the Desi pub
The documentary Rise of the Mixy directed by Gurudev Singh chronicles how these establishments emerged from racial resistance to become the symbols of British Asian culture, combining public houses with Indian food and Punjabi music.
"I think in the Midlands there's a strong sense of community, especially among Asians and Punjabis," Gurudev told the BBC. This community spirit defines desi pubs, where tandoori mixed grills sizzle alongside draught ale and dartboards.
David Jesudason, Beer Writer of the Year 2023 and the author of Desi Pubs, in an interview with LBC Blog told “Many metropolitan city dwellers particularly in gentrified London have no idea about this kind of ground-level work. But none of it wouldn’t have taken place without desi landlords taking over failing pubs and making them inclusive spaces”.
A toast to the future
The timing couldn't be better. The beer and pub sector supports over £30 billion being pushed into the economy, £18 billion in taxes, and one million jobs, according to the British Beer and Pub Association. Yet the industry faces mounting pressures. Approximately 46,000 pubs are trading across the UK as of early 2025, with closures threatening communities nationwide.
A Frontier Economics report highlights how UK pubs serve residents and visitors alike, supporting jobs whilst delivering vital social value. South Asian pubs are reshaping this landscape with fresh energy while cherishing British traditions. Over the last 20 years, West Midlands south Asian-owned public houses have transformed from regional particularity into a trend capturing national press attention and online food bloggers. The reforms promise practical relief.
Pubs will find it easier to host community events, extend trading hours, and use outdoor spaces without bureaucratic hurdles. For desi establishments already juggling cultural events, live music, and food service, this means freedom to innovate without constantly battling licensing restrictions.
Nick Mackenzie, co-chair of the Licensing Taskforce and CEO at Greene King, emphasised the sector's challenges: "Pubs are faced with continued rising costs, placing them under enormous pressures, which is why the government must continue to back the sector, including critical reforms on business rates which would unlock opportunities for pubs to invest and help drive economic growth."
For south Asian pub owners, the message is clear, the barriers that once kept their grandparents out of British pubs won't be the same ones holding back their businesses. From The Scotsman to countless West Midlands establishments, these venues represent resilience, integration, and a uniquely British Asian an identity. As red tape falls away, they're poised to show that the best of British pub culture can flourish with a distinctly south Asian flavour no permission slips required.
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