A recruitment specialist has urged businesses across the hospitality and catering sector to act fast and fill any vacant chef positions ahead of the busy winter peak season.
The alert has come from recruitment specialist Kasia Krieger as Office for National Statistics (ONS) data highlights that over 89,000 jobs have been lost in the hospitality sector in the past year – with thousands of kitchen vacancies left unfilled. According to UK Hospitality, the ONS figure accounts for 53% of all job losses in the UK, leaving pubs, restaurants and hotels exposed and understaffed.
Ms Krieger, business manager from recruitment firm Pineapple Recruitment, explained: “As an industry, it has been a hugely difficult year and these market changes are underlined by the release of this latest data from the ONS.
“Higher taxes, national insurance and business rates have left hospitality businesses struggling, but many pubs, hotels and restaurants I speak to are banking on the crucial autumn and festive period to bounce back as much as possible.
“From corporate gatherings and Christmas holiday parties to intimate weddings and seasonal events, autumn and winter is a time of increased demand and heightened expectations which means venues must secure the best talent now,” she added.
Krieger said that permanent chef recruitment is particularly important at the moment for many under-capacity hospitality businesses as the party season approaches. Getting this part of the recruitment equation right can help businesses stand out and build their reputations.
“There are talented chefs out there looking for the right opportunities so I urge the businesses to really start moving now and secure a chef, or a team, who really can make a difference in the long-term.
“As I say, the industry is under huge pressure like never before on the people and talent front. But the right chefs, at all levels, are out there in the market and could be a game-changer.”
