Hospitality recruitment fix needed to drive economy
Trade bodies have united to highlight the untapped potential of hospitality.
Hospitality trade bodies have united to highlight the untapped potential of pubs, bars and restaurants to drive economic growth, but are warning government the recruitment crisis needs to be addressed in order for it do so.
New survey data from CGA Insight on behalf of the sector shows that 61% of hospitality businesses are experiencing staff shortages and are widely reduced their trading hours and days as a result.
The data, collected by the BBPA, BII, Hospitality Ulster and UKHospitality shows that almost 40% are reducing trading hours. From those, hours have reduced by up to 74% midweek and 42% at the weekend. That loss of trading has seen two-thirds report a sales decline of up to 25%.
Roles to fill
Chefs remain the most difficult position to recruit, with up to 79% of respondents experiencing chef vacancies. Businesses also have high levels of vacancies for front-of-house staff (70%), kitchen porters (59%), brewery staff (57%) and housekeeping (52%).
The data follows reporting that the government is seeking to expand the Youth Mobility Scheme to other countries, which the hospitality bodies are supportive of.
In addition, the sector continues to call for the Shortage Occupation List to be expanded and for wider reform of skills and training, with a particular focus on addressing economic inactivity.
"We saw during the World Cup final last weekend just what hospitality can deliver," say the trade bodies. "The sector saw a huge 33% uplift in sales, even as this new data shows that almost two-thirds of venues are running short of staff.
"Just think what we can deliver if our pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels were able to recruit the positions they need. If you have hospitality running at full capacity, you’ll no doubt see the sector generate rapid economic growth; creating thousands of jobs and supporting local communities.
"Despite the enormous investment and time the sector is putting in to develop its own talent, through apprenticeships and training, there is an immediate need to address shortages now."
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