This comes as data from the Office of National Statistics in July found from April to June this year, the accommodation and food services sector had 176,000 job vacancies – up 6.2% for the quarter and 64% from the previous year.
Heineken UK on-trade category and commercial director Charlie Fryday said: “Training is vital not only for staff retention and recruitment but to also showcase the hospitality industry as a viable and permanent career option, especially now the sector faces the challenge of so many vacancies.
“Pub and bar operators who offer high-quality staff training show they are willing and able to invest in their employees’ future."
Career potential
Fryday added: “This also helps show staff they have the potential for a career within the business that goes beyond and into other elements, such as management.”
Alexandra Rasper, who is head of commercial at training provider Remit, recently spoke at Heineken’s SmartDispense Energy Well Spent Summit about retention.
She said: “There are lots of measures you can put in place to help maintain good staff wellbeing, regardless of budget.
“The first thing you should do is talk to your staff about stress areas within the business, people need to feel comfortable and safe at work. Talking about and raising awareness of wellbeing and mental health is key.”
Job variety
In addition, pubs were also urged to consider apprenticeships if they are not doing so already.
Rapser added: “Apprenticeships are a great way to attract talent. People look for clear career progression, we’ve seen they are bothered about how much they are being invested in by their employer to grow.
“People also want variety in their job roles, offering this is a great way to provide career progression and to keep people invested in what the business is about.”
Heineken also advised numerous tips on recruitment including being open minded, ensuring any trial shifts are paid, using a variety of platforms to advertise job vacancies including social media and to consider looking outside the hospitality sector at potential candidates.
