UKHospitality calls for government action as vacancies rise

New data released by the Office for National Statistics reveals that vacancies in accommodation and food service activities  increased to 121,000, after five months of consecutive decreases, with vacances remaining more than 30,000 above pre-pandemic levels.

Accordingly, UKHospitality is calling for the government to commit to scaling up skills pilot projects currently running with the Department for Work and Pensions, which are showing early success and to reform the Apprenticeship Levy to allow 25% of funds to be used for non-apprenticeship training. It also calls for the government to permitit a modular approach to delivery and is asking for the government to instigate a youth mobility scheme with a range of European nations.

UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls comments: “Staff shortages remain a significant challenge for hospitality businesses, causing many to operate far below full capacity. This surprise increase in vacancies demonstrates the fluctuations that remain in the labour market and the need for action to help businesses get people into work.

“As the third largest employer in the UK, implementing these measures will unlock thousands of job opportunities. Not only is hospitality well placed to kickstart someone’s career but it can help bring people back into the workforce too, thus also providing a key solution to an economy-wide challenge.

“Government action in these areas would be a clear signa thatl it is prepared to help businesses resolve a key issue, as well as keeping venues at the heart of their communities thriving.”

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