New commission to investigate hospitality sector employment
The call comes as the trade association launched the sector-wide hospitality workforce commission to promote understanding of the importance of the UK’s hospitality sector.
The UKHospitality Commission 2030 will bring together a wide range of hospitality employers and All-Party Parliamentary Groups, alongside industry bodies and authorities, to deliver an employment foundation for the sector.
It will look into promoting careers and employee retention, the diversity of the hospitality workforce as well as education and skills. Sector leaders will also provide evidence to identify and address the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
The commission will aim to launch a report of its findings in June, providing recommendations to the Government in order to secure the future of the sector’s workforce.
There will also be an inquiry that will comprise three UK oral evidence sessions, which will take place in April, May and June 2018.
UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “This is an opportunity for us to bring together sector leaders and policy makers to promote the great work we do, change perceptions about our industry and ensure that hospitality businesses are in the best position to succeed decades from now.”
Michael Tomlinson MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Youth Employment, added: “Hospitality makes a crucial contribution to employment in the UK and provides fantastic opportunities for young people to learn and develop rewarding careers.
“UKHospitality’s Commission 2030 will enable us to identify the skills that are needed and develop a cohesive plan to offer support and opportunities for young workers.”
Mike Wood MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, backed the initiative and said that securing an accessible pathway for young people into hospitality “is a must”.
Respondents are being asked to limit their submissions to no more than 2,000 words and the deadline for submitting written evidence is at 5pm on 11 May 2018.
