Apr/May 2023
CLH News
11
Hospitality Sector Omitted from Additions to SoL List Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has announced measures to tackle immediate labour shortages in the construction industry as part of the Spring Budget 2023. Prior to the Budget, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) was commissioned on 7 February 2023 to undertake a rapid assessment of the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) for the construction and hospitality industries, however, the independent advisory said it did not recommend the addition of roles within the hospitality sector to the list in an interim report. In the report, the MAC said it had not received “substantial evidence which proves that shortage cannot be filled with domestic recruitment”. “For the few hospitality occupations at skill level RQF 3-5 in-scope, we do not feel that we have sufficiently clear evidence that these specific occupations are in shortage, or, that a lower salary threshold would be sensible,” the report said. The MAC had previously considered RQF 3-5 roles in the hospitality sector in the 2020 SOL report, but did not recommend any addition of occupations from the hospitality sector to the SOL and recommended the removal of Chefs.
For the few hospitality occupations at skill level RQF 3-5 in-scope, MAC said “We do not feel that we have sufficiently clear evidence that these specific occupations are in shortage, or, that a lower salary threshold would be sensible. As a result, we do not recommend the addition of any occupations in the hospitality sector to the SOL.” “We again paid particular attention to Chefs, as we did in the SOL 2020 report. Here there is clearer evidence of shortage, and the occupation is the major user within the hospitality sector of the immigration system. We reviewed the evidence that stakeholders provided regarding new training initiatives for chefs and welcome these developments. Less positively, there still appears to be little progress in improving terms and conditions, and in particular pay growth continues to be driven to a large extent by the statutory minimum wage. It is unclear how the sector foresees sustainable domestic recruitment and retention for this skilled occupation when wages remain so low. Overall, the MAC is not persuaded that our decision in 2020 to recommend the removal of Chefs from the SOL should be reversed.” While the MAC did not suggest any additions to the SOL in relation to hospitality, five roles were recommended to be added in relation to the construction industry. The government has accepted these recom-
mendations in full. The following roles are expected to be added to the SOL before the summer recess: 5312 (Bricklayers and masons) 5313 (Roofers, roof tilers and slaters) 5315 (Carpenters and joiners) 5319 (Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified) 5321 (Plasterers) The addition of these five professions will be advantageous to some licence-holding employers, and businesses in the construction industry. Addition to the shortage occupation list means that employers will benefit from reduced salary thresholds and application fees for these shortage occupation workers. The MAC will conclude a full review of the SOL later this year and will complete regular reviews in the future, to ensure the immigration system is more agile and responsive to business needs. The success of this endeavour will largely depend on the government’s willingness to adopt recommendations, and only then will businesses see how successfully the government is delivering on its promise to grow the economy.
Hospitality Industry Called On to Stand Against Harassment Brewing Group to recognise its role in creating an inclusive night-time economy. In November last year, the brewer partnered with WalkSafe, a mapping app that allows its 500,000+ users to plan their route home using the latest digital tools and information based on police data, whether that’s a live incident or a warning about a lack of streetlights. This then empowers people to go out and plan a safer journey home.
In a move to eliminate harassment and discrimination in the OnTrade, Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I has announced the launch of its new campaign #ItStopsWithMe, encouraging pubs and bars across the UK to pledge to calling out unacceptable behaviour. Recent research by Budweiser Brewing Group found that almost twothirds (63%) of women claimed to have planned their route home before heading out and were more likely to visit a night-time venue if it had measures to improve women’s safety. The findings also show that 53% of women would be more inclined to visit a venue that has antiharassment and discrimination policies, compared to men (35%). It Stops with Me aims to tackle this issue head-on by allowing pubs and bars to showcase their commitment to calling out harassment and discrimination and providing a safe place for all beer drinkers. Budweiser Brewing Group’s ‘#ItStopsWithMe’, is an internal and industry-wide campaign asking people to commit to calling out harassment and discrimination. Pubs and bars can sign the pledge at itstopswithme.net, and can access resources to support staff in tackling these issues. After signing the pledge, pubs and bars will be a part of a community of organisations who share the vision for an industry free from harassment and discrimination.
This campaign started at internally at Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I to create a more inclusive work environment, and to ensure reporting mechanisms are in place to address instances of harassment and discrimination. BBG is measuring success based on regular surveys and listening sessions focused on colleagues’ awareness and comfort in reporting and addressing these issues. The initiative is also intended to create a forum for discussion – internally and among industry partners. It Stops With Me forms part of an ongoing push from Budweiser
“We’re committed to creating a more inclusive night-time economy, which benefits communities and businesses alike,” said Jean-David Thumelaire, On-Trade Director at Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I “We know that many people in our industry have experienced harassment and discrimination. By launching #ItStopsWithMe and sharing it with the industry we’re hoping to draw attention to the issue and be part of the solution by putting people first. We know we can’t tackle it alone, nor do we have all the answers, which is why we’re calling the industry to step up and sign the pledge to work together for a safer environment.” Pubs and bars can find out more about #ItStopsWithMe and sign the pledge at www.itstopswithme.net. Once venues have signed up, they will join the online community and have access to a range of assets that they can display to promote their commitment to stamping out harassment and discrimination.
