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UKHospitality has announced a 12-point plan aimed at tackling the “acute” staffing shortage crisis that the industry is facing.
The trade body confirmed that widespread staffing issues, particularly in front-of-house and chef roles, has prevented a number of sites from reopening, with many businesses also having to restrict their trading hours.
In turn, UKH has outlined the set of short-term, medium-term, and long-term actions for both employers and the Government to address.
Included in the short-term suggestions are calls for all restrictions on the industry to be lifted, the launch of a recruitment and retention campaign, and various methods to promote the sector for those in different educational stages.
The medium-term plan consists of committing to a hospitality T-level, Government amending the shortage occupation list (SOL), and making the reduced VAT rate permanent while doubling the employer national insurance contribution.
UKH’s long-term strategy focuses on reviewing the impact of the new immigration system and its effect on the recovery and competitiveness of both the industry and the wider economy.
Kate Nicholls, CEO at UKH, said that “it’s clear that we need to attract people” to the sector by highlighting the “benefits of a job or career in hospitality”.
She added: “By working closely with Government on implementing this plan, the sector can restore confidence and bounce back even stronger, so hospitality is once again seen as a dynamic and exciting sector of growth, and a provider of fulfilling careers that will help power the UK’s economic and social recovery.”
