Published at an industry event at Westminster Kingsway College, the workforce strategy ‘Fixing the crisis: a framework for collaborative action across the sector’ examines all aspects of the industry’s labour needs.
In the documents foreword, Kate Nicholls chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “This strategy sets out a vision to ensure [hospitality is] fully-resourced with people with the right skills, a clear talent pipeline with established routes of progression and high levels of employee wellbeing. It is based on a partnership approach with industry bodies and governments.
“A booming hospitality workforce will create a fantastic hospitality experience for all, and a better society. It’s crucial we work collaboratively to deliver on this workforce strategy. It will create economic growth and help to regenerate communities in all parts of the country.
“Higher employment rates and business levels will generate even further taxation from hospitality to fund and bolster local and national public services. It will also contribute to the UK being a leading tourist destination.”
The strategy focuses on five key areas the sector must address:
- Recruitment – hospitality must be able to access a wide range of people to fill its vacancies
- Skills and training – hospitality is a professional sector that must enshrine high standards and facilitate social mobility
- Working lives – hospitality must make people’s working lives enjoyable and fulfilling
- Image of the sector – to reset perceptions of the hospitality sector as a great place to work and develop your career
- Infrastructure – to ensure that there are no structural barriers to working in the sector – such as poor transport and a lack of housing