Demand for UK Hospitality Workers Soars by 46% Apr/May 2023
Demand for UK hospitality workers has risen by 46% compared to pre-pandemic levels – with the number of online job adverts for staff in the North East more than doubling, according to an analysis of new ONS data1 by Indeed Flex, the online staffing platform for temporary work.
INCREASE IN JOB ADVERTS FOR HOSPITALITY WORKERS, 2019 VS 2022
It’s a pattern repeated across the country, as employers in many sectors struggle to find staff. The biggest jump in demand for hospitality workers is in the North East, while Scotland saw a 61% increase in job adverts towards the end of 2022. London had the highest total number of job vacancies, with 10,460 positions advertised online in December 2022, an increase of 26% compared to prepandemic levels. With soaring supply costs and rising wage demands amid the cost-of-living crisis, businesses in the hospitality sector are feeling the pinch. Indeed Flex offers a way for employers to boost their numbers by using temporary staff.
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added roles in construction. Recent research from Indeed Flex found 58% of businesses will be turning to temporary workers to support their permanent teams this year. A quarter (28%) of HR professionals whose business already uses temporary workers expect to make increased use of temps during 2023. Novo Constare, CEO and Co-founder of Indeed Flex, said: “The hospitality sector is not alone in its struggle to fill positions — it’s a problem facing most sectors right now. “But during the pandemic, hospitality was one of the sectors hit the hardest. Many businesses were forced to close for long periods and thousands of people were furloughed or made redundant. “The uncertainty in the hospitality sector made many workers look for other employment. Unfortunately, not all staff have returned.
It was recently anticipated that hospitality job roles might be added to the Government’s shortage occupation list, which would make it easier for businesses to recruit from abroad. However, Migration Advisory Committee only
“On top of rising costs and stretched budgets, it’s a difficult position for companies to be in and many businesses have come to see temporary staff as a vital resource.”
With increased emotional and financial pressures being placed on those who work in the drinks industry, The Licensed Trade Charity has unveiled a brand-new campaign, ‘Because Everyone Needs A Little TLC,’ to drive greater awareness of the services the LTC offers and to encourage more industry professionals to access support when in need.
Paula Smith, Head of Marketing at the Licensed Trade Charity said, “With the cost-of-living crisis biting and the hospitality industry facing continued challenges, we are very aware this is a tough time for many working in the drinks trade. However, if you are struggling, there is free support available from the Licensed Trade Charity.”
It is estimated that around 250,000 people working in the licensed trade are in need of support at any one time. Although awareness of the Licensed Trade Charity has increased in recent years, research has found that the majority of people working in the drinks industry are still unaware of the support they can access from the charity. ‘Because Everyone Needs A Little TLC,’ has been launched to impactfully communicate how the Licensed Trade Charity can help, who can access LTC services and to encourage those working in the licensed trade to seek support earlier to prevent an issue turning into a crisis.
“With the launch of this new campaign, ‘Because Everyone Needs a Little TLC,’ we are determined to reach more people who work, or have worked, in the sale, service, production and distribution of alcoholic drinks, and encourage greater usage of our services among those who need them. Whether you or your colleague requires emotional support, specialist guidance or a financial grant, we implore you to speak to us because we can stop an issue turning into a crisis, and help you get you back to your best.”
Licensed Trade Charity Launches New Support Campaign
The new campaign from the LTC is being supported by senior leaders throughout the industry, who will kick off the campaign with a thunderclap across social media on Monday 20th March, with further activity delivered by the charity and its partners across social and digital channels, trade events, PR and advertising. The charity will also be distributing material to over 2,000 businesses working in the sale, service, production or distribution of alcoholic drinks, to further communicate the services available, which includes emotional support, specialist guidance and financial grants.
The launch of this new campaign comes as the Licensed Trade Charity releases its usage figures for 2022, the results of which show that drinks people accessing LTC services since the pandemic has remained markedly high, with the charity helping 36,000 people in 2022, bringing the total number of people helped since the start of 2020 up to 155k. Last year alone, financial support awarded by the Licensed Trade Charity through grants and services reached £1.17 million. Calls to the charity’s helpline has also sustained very high numbers with the Licensed Trade Charity receiving 3,173 calls last year, up from 2,061 in 2021 and 1,037 in 2020. Of the calls last year, 63% were related to mental health.
