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Diversity ‘key to the future’ of the hospitality industry

Several speakers in the hospitality sector promoted diversity in the hospitality industry at the UK Hospitality Commission 2030 on 12 June at the Houses of Parliament.

The commission’s aim was to promote understanding of the importance and potential of the hospitality sector.

The Youth Employment UK ambassador Courtney Avery, acting CEO and director of programmes at Tottenham Hotspur Foundation Nikki Kelly, director of British Future and Conor D’Arcy and senior research and policy analyst at the Resolution Foundation Sunder Katwala all discussed ideas to Parliamentarians.

The suggestions included offering more part time senior positions, showcasing real life examples of progression, reviving the Saturday job and developing work schemes that were favourable to older workers.

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The speakers also urged the government to put hospitality as a priority in the Industrial Strategy.

Michael Tomlinson MP, chair of the APPG for Youth Employment and of the second evidence session, said: “It was brilliant to hear from a variety of speakers on how we can work together to promote hospitality across the UK.

“I was particularly interested to hear Courtney’s comments on why young people don’t view the industry as a long-term career path, and I look forward to working with the Commission to develop tangible recommendations to address this issue.”

Kate Nicholls, UKHospitality’s CEO, added: “The hospitality sector is diverse in workforce and reach across the UK. The industry employs more women than men and is the second largest employer of EU workers and the fifth highest as a percentage of the workforce.

“Now is the time for government to step up and support our industry in developing the hospitality workforce of the future.”

The third session will focus on education and skills and it will be held in early July.

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