Quarter of all furloughed employees were in hospitality
Some 25% of all workers on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme amid the coronavirus pandemic were from the hospitality sector, a study has revealed.
The report from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) calledCoronavirus and its impact on UK Hospitality: January 2020 to June 2021 revealed data from HMRC showed in April 2020, just under 1.65m employees were on furlough, falling to just under 590,000 at the end of May 2021.
This represented a quarter (25%) of all furlough employees across all sectors.
Almost one third of hospitality leavers seek return to sector within a year
After rolling out a survey to explore issues around staffing within the hospitality sector and ascertain why people had left the industry within the past 12 months, the Burnt Chef Project found that nearly a third of those not currently working within the sector are planning to return within the year – with 10% of those planning to do so in the next six months.
Work-life balance is the most frequently mentioned barrier to working in the sector and most cited reason for leaving.
When asked what changes would improve recruitment and retention in hospitality, the majority said, ”feeling valued’. Unsociable and unpredictable hours – which are inherent in the trade – were a barrier to one-in-five, while salary and stressful working environments were cited barriers by one third. Only 4% of those asked highlighted job security as a concern.
The Burnt Chef Project ambassador, and owner of the Salutation Inn in Hammersmith, Benjamin Souza-Morse said: “Things have to change to ensure the survival of the industry, sadly it's all too often seen as normal practice to work 80 hours a week with no respite.
“It's not feasible for people to work all hours under the sun and still perform to the best of their abilities, we wouldn't expect other industries to work two weeks in one.
“I am constantly adapting my business to try and meet its commercial needs but more importantly the needs of our team, we look closely at: maximum hours, consecutive days off, weekends off, competitive pay rates, free staff food, staff trips.
“These are just some of the things which attract and retain staff and we will be working closely with The Burnt Chef Project to ensure that we are an employer of choice, who focus on the mental health and well-being of our staff. If businesses recognised the needs of their team, the whole sector could produce a better balanced, desirable profession to work in”
Security staff shortages 'accident waiting to happen'
A shortage of door staff runs the risk of endangering revellers on their first night out in over a year when clubs reopen, according to night-time economy bosses.
Leaders representing more than 10,000 late night businesses have written an open letter to the Prime Minister to intervene with "catastrophic" door security shortages.
Late-night employers have warned of safety risks ahead of ‘freedom day’ on Monday 19 July, when many clubs are planning to reopen just after midnight.
Six-in-10 door supervisor positions are at risk of being unfilled as a result of the lockdown leading staff to seek other careers, according to the UK Door Security Association.
Signatories of an open letter - including Stonegate and JD Wetherspoon - have urged the Prime Minister to call an urgent meeting to discuss the problem.
The letter calls for measures including funding training incentives, streamlining training requirements and tackling shortages through legislation.
Liberation Group offering free accommodation and relocation allowance on Channel Island recruitment drive
Channel Island-based Liberation Group is holding a recruitment event at the Pavilion Arms in Bournemouth, Dorset on 28 July as it bids to increase its workforce across Jersey and Guernsey.
The operator is on the lookout for general managers, head chefs, sous chefs and assistant managers to join its teams.
The roles will include accommodation, training and development, an island 'buddy' who will help them settle into island life and a relocation allowance.
What’s more, there will be prizes available for completing a successful interview, including a free trip to Jersey and a private dining experience at one of the group’s pubs.
Scottish Beer & Pub Association announces new vice president
The Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) has announced Paul Wishart, currently national operations manager for Belhaven & Greene King Pub Partners, as a vice president of the trade body.
Wishart will join current president Edith Monfries of Hawthorn, the community pub company, and chief executive Emma McClarkin in overseeing the continued success and growth of the organisation.
Commenting on his appointment, Wishart said: “It’s great to be joining the SBPA as a vice president and I’m looking forward to working with the team.
“It’s no secret that Scotland’s brewing and pub industry has been hit exceptionally hard by the pandemic, but I’m confident that with the right support and the fantastic operators we have in Scotland, that the sector can bounce back and become a powerhouse of the national economy again.”
Signature Group backs Scottish hospitality recruitment drive
Scottish hospitality group, Signature, is backing a new campaign to attract young people to the industry as it slowly emerges from the impact of the Covid pandemic.
The initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and led by Scottish Tourism Alliance, is supporting businesses to fill staff shortages that have occurred as a result of Brexit and encourage those aged 18-30 to play their part in helping businesses recover from the coronavirus pandemic by applying their skills to the diverse job opportunities available now.
Business development manager, Hannah McConnachie, has been appointed as the campaign ambassador for Signature Group, which includes promoting the range of roles currently available within the business and helping people find a job that suits different skill sets.
Commenting on the campaign, McConnachie said: “It’s more important than ever that we get the message out there that young people within Scotland have the opportunity to play an important role in helping the struggling hospitality sector get back on its feet after the damaging impact of the pandemic. Employing committed, talented and enthusiastic staff will be an important part of that process.
“Whether it’s meeting new people, being part of a team, or working with food and drink, Signature has a host of job opportunities needing filled right now to suit a range of passions and interests. The possibilities for a career in hospitality at Signature are endless. Whatever you love doing, there’s a job in hospitality for you.”
Kingsland Drinks Group moves towards employee ownership
Independent drinks firm Kingsland Drinks Group – comprising Kingsland Drinks and newly established Ten Locks – has made a move to being partially employee owned.
After a period of careful consideration and planning, the owners have agreed that the time is right to restructure the ownership model and sell a majority of the shareholding into an employee ownership trust structure.
The shareholders will remain active in the business as executive members of the board and will retain an equity interest whilst moving 51% of the company into the employee ownership trust.
The remaining 49% will continue to be held by the owners.
The business, including the board of directors and senior management team, will continue to function as normal, with the board of directors/leadership team being accountable to the board of trustees.
Andy Sagar, executive chairman and shareholder, said; “The four shareholders have put a great deal of thought into the succession of Kingsland Drinks Group as we have a strong legacy of partnership and a family ethic.
“We have always put employees at the heart of our business and the move to employee ownership trust allows our colleagues to feel even more connected to the company, and take pride in building for the future, having a real stake in the success of the business.”
