Hospitality staff shortage hits record high

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that the hospitality sector is experiencing 83% more vacancies across the sector compared to March–May 2019 (the most recent comparable period). At the same time, the industry has created nearly 300,000 new jobs over the last 12 months, equal to one-in-three of all new roles. 

The data highlights how, despite an improving post-pandemic performance, sector recovery is being hindered by the workforce crisis. 

According to the ONS findings, hospitality currently has 174,000 jobs available, a record high, in a climate where those who are economically inactive and wanting a job have fallen by about 130,000 over the same period. 

UKHospitality (UKH) CEO comments: "These figures show that the hospitality industry continues to return to growth and is attracting new people into the workforce. However, high vacancy rates are impeding our ability to trade. This is particularly concerning as we enter the summer, a key trading period for much of the sector.

"Last month UKHospitality launched its Workforce Strategy in order to tackle this and we have set out a coherent plan to solve some of the issues, including working with colleges and universities to attract students into work this summer and demonstrating how flexible working will provide opportunities for carers – but we need government support.

"The points-based system needs to be tweaked to make it easier for seasonal and lower skilled workers to enter the workforce and the apprenticeship levy should be freed-up to help us attract the workforce we need to recover and grow."

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