British workers spurn opportunities in the hospitality sector

British candidates do not apply for hospitality positions because of the reputation of the industry and the belief that jobs are low paid, say recruiters.
Tue, 5 Aug 2014 | By Christopher Goodfellow British candidates do not apply for hospitality positions because of the reputation of the industry and the belief that jobs are low paid, say recruiters.

Sam Barrington-Wells, managing director of recruiter The Hospitality Company, tells recruiter.co.uk: “Three quarters of candidates are foreign; it’s a reflection of English attitudes.”

Barrington-Wells adds the upturn in the market has provided better opportunities and that the perception these jobs are all low paid is often incorrect.

Simon Tucker-Brown, managing director of hospitality and catering recruiter Berkeley Scott, tells recruiter.co.uk he has had a similar experience, with a notably higher level of foreign candidates in London, compared with the rest of the UK.

The comments arise following an Evening Standard article, which claimed restaurants can’t recruit British staff because British jobseekers don’t see it as a career.

Tucker-Brown says the industry needs to invest in training to ensure they can attract candidates, noting industry trade group the British Hospitality Association is advocating on the issue.

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