The research by a UK hospitality job board revealed that 65% of staff planned to leave their current role "in the near future" with 59% revealing plans to move on in the next six months.
The survey found that the most important draw for hospitality staff seeking their next move was career progression – with 16% of respondents flagging this as the most important feature of a new role.
Highlighted by 14% as most important, salary came second, followed by training and development (13%).
Moreover, according to the Caterer.com research, the hospitality sector has seen a reduced number of apprenticeships since the Apprenticeship Levy was introduced in 2017.
- Interested in working in the pub industry or fancy a change of scene? Then take a look at MA’s jobs site.
Chancellor Philip Hammond’s Autumn Budget included a Government pledge to halve the contribution of small businesses when taking on apprentices from 10% to 5% – a move that's intended to increase industry apprenticeships and on the job training.
Need to offer progression
The jobs board director Neil Pattison commented: “The hospitality employers who show career progression opportunities will find it easier to attract new employees and retain current staff.
“With hospitality looking to be one of the hardest sectors hit post-Brexit, it’s fascinating to reflect on the clear call from workers for investment in their future.
“With 65% of respondents saying that they plan to quit their job in the near future and high competition among employers, investing in your staff will help to alleviate the lure of a role from elsewhere.”
Too often talked down?
The website also found that the hospitality industry, which provides employment to 2.9m people, 7% of Britain’s working population, was attractive to staff due to its fast-paced nature and the appeal of working in close-knit teams – respectively highlighted as key draws by 12% and 14% of respondents.
Speaking to The Morning Advertiser following comments by former Apprentice contestant Frances Bishop explaining that working behind a bar taught her more than university, Brewhouse & Kitchen chief executive Kris Gumbrell argued that the conversations around the hospitality industry need to be handled with more care in order to make it more appealing to investors and potential staff.
