Is the hospitality industry struggling to recruit the right staff?

A new report out today from sector skills council People 1st has shown that many pubs, restaurants, bars and nightclubs are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit members of staff with the right core skills.

Those skills identified by People 1st include customer handling, technical ability, team working and problem-solving skills.

The shortfall in people management and finance skills, in particular, seems to be hampering the industry, said the report.

A third of survey respondents reported difficulties in recruiting bar managers finding that whilst there is no shortage of applicants, many do not have all the required skills, attributes and experience.

"Generally, the industry does not suffer from a recruitment problem. However, one in five employers are struggling to recruit chefs with the required experience and skills at a time when more pubs, bars and nightclubs are offering catering services," said People 1st.

Around 6,200 more chefs were working in the pub, bar and nightclub industry in the UK in 2007/08 compared to 2004/05, an increase of 33%. 

Over the last ten years the shift from managed outlets towards free trade and tenanted operations has had implications for skills development as the latter are less likely to take up training opportunities.

On a positive note, training opportunities for staff are increasing year on year.

Nearly three quarters (71%) of pubs, bars and nightclubs now provide or arrange training for their staff compared to 64% in 2005 – a 7% increase. Whilst the industry acknowledges that qualifications are needed to professionalise the sector, employers' views on qualifications are fairly mixed.

"Looking to the future, the 'golden decade of sporting events' will be a major driver of labour and skills needs for businesses located in certain areas. The 'welcome' and service received by visitors for these events will have wider implications in terms of the perceptions of the UK as a world class tourist destination," concluded The 'Licensed Hospitality 2009 – A Labour Market Review of the Pubs, Bars and Nightclubs Industry' report.

Words: Clare Riley

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