Hospitality Industry Seeks To Make Recruitment And Development Of British Workers A Priority In Face Of A Severe Skills Shortage

by XPRESS, 22 January 2018

Key industry bodies have united to urge businesses to make recruitment and development of British workers a priority and have joined forces with Springboard and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) once again to deliver Hospitality Works: a month-long campaign launching on 7 February 2018.

The Hospitality Works initiative seeks to increase the number of people moving into hospitality jobs by inspiring jobseekers to take up a career in hospitality. It will bring together leading hospitality employers to increase awareness of the sector and help to transform lives through employment opportunities. Employers and policymakers will promote the rich variety of opportunities available, and highlight the potential professional development and advancement within the sector.

Over the course of the month, more than 600 Job Centre Plus outlets throughout the country will be promoting new roles within the hospitality industry. Hospitality businesses will participate by offering taster visits for jobseekers, local jobs fairs and work experience opportunities. Since its conception in 2015, the campaign has so far achieved 8,500 work placements.

This campaign comes at a time when unemployment is continuing at record low levels of 4.3%; and with freedom of movement set to end in 2019 the threat of a severe skills shortage for the hospitality industry is looming.

This year, Hospitality Works will be boosted by the participation of other hospitality associations, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR), ensuring that the voice of the industry is aligned.

Businesses wishing to promote careers within their organisations can host awareness sessions or recruitment events at their local Jobcentre Plus outlet.

British Hospitality Association Chief Executive Ufi Ibrahim said, “Hospitality and tourism is the 4th largest industry in the UK and has created 1 in 6 new jobs since 2010. But, with the threat of a severe skills shortage of over 60,000* per year, the industry needs further support from the Government to help recruit more British workers.

“Initiatives such as Hospitality Works are great opportunities to highlight some of the great careers available in the sector regardless of whether your interest lies in numbers, people, organisation or creativity. The hospitality industry offers an alternative to those who don’t want to take the academic route, providing its workers with numerous, transferable skills. It is an exceptional industry where you can start at any level and work your way up.”

Anne Pierce, MBE, Chief Executive of Springboard said, “The need to recruit people of all ages and backgrounds in to our industry has never been so acute, which is why Springboard is once again rallying its delivery teams, employer partners and Ambassadors to engage with thousands of jobseekers during Hospitality Works 2018 and continue to play its part in alleviating the industry’s skills shortages and the impact of Brexit.”

ALMR Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said, “The campaign is a fantastic way to encourage young people to take up a career within the UK’s hospitality sector. A career in our sector can be long and rewarding, but we need to work proactively to emphasise the benefits and opportunities of working with us, and act to ensure that look to us as a viable and exciting career option. With unemployment at a record low and with a future immigration policy yet to be determined, it is crucial that we begin the work of recruiting now, to ensure the continued success of the sector.

BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds said, “We are delighted to be working closely to support Hospitality Works. We certainly need to raise our game when it comes to recruiting UK citizens to the workforce, which is especially true when it comes to kitchen staff and pub chefs. The opportunities to develop a career in hospitality are huge in the pub sector, and Hospitality Works helps to shine a light on pub sector opportunities and careers.”

Article Credit: The ALMR