Hospitality businesses are facing a labour shortage ahead of a busy Christmas, with companies advised to rethink how to reach potential employees.
According to Mark Brumby, a hospitality sector analyst at Langton Capital, “operators are faced with a tight labour market.”
As a result, the industry is tasked with a decision to make ahead of what is traditionally the busiest time of year.
Brumby suggests firms either source more staff, work more efficiently with the staff they have or reduce opening hours and menu sizes, which would not be the first choice for operators.
Part of the problem, according to Peter Backman, an analyst at Foodservice consultancy, is accessing the labour.
Backman believes the 17- to 21-year-old cohort, which makes up some over a fifth (21.4%) of hospitality sector employees are currently difficult to reach.
He believes a different approach is needed, with social media playing a key part, although a greater emphasis on TikTok and Instagram instead of ‘dad-sites’ like Facebook and even Twitter.