A group of cross-party MPs has launched an inquiry into the issue of recruitment and retention of staff in hospitality.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Hospitality and Tourism wants to explore the reasons behind high vacancy rates in the industry as more than 100,000 positions remain unfilled, and seek advice on how to make the sector more appealing.
As an industry that has historically filled vacancies with workers from overseas, it will also look at how the industry can balance encouraging businesses to utilise UK-born workers with the need to deliver a high-quality experience for customers and guests.
How successful initiatives which support the mental health and wellbeing of staff have been will also be taken into account as well as the impact of zero hours contracts on the recruitment and retention of staff.
Simon Jupp MP (East Devon), chair of the Hospitality and Tourism APPG, said: “Staffing challenges in hospitality and tourism has continually been raised by businesses as a persistent problem that negatively impacts trading.
“Given how important the people who work in hospitality and tourism are to the experiences they help deliver, it’s important that the APPG takes the time to investigate this issue.
“I’m pleased to launch this inquiry and I want businesses and representatives of the sector at its heart, to enable the members of the APPG to understand the issues and make appropriate recommendations to government on where it can support.”
The enquiry wants to hear from businesses by Friday 14th June after which it will make a series of recommendations to government. E-mail your views to policy@ukhospitality.org.uk
