Recruitment agencies report growing demand for hospitality staff

While the skills shortage within the industry is well-known, the report by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and KPMG, out today, shows that the problem worsened at the end of last year as more employers turned to recruiters to find staff. 

In December 2014, the hospitality industry came third in a rank of industries with a greater demand for temporary staff. While the increase was probably to cover the busy festive period, it was greater than the previous year when hospitality ranked seventh. 

Demand for permanent staff was not so great in comparison to other industries, but nevertheless, was greater than the previous year, rising two spaces up the ranking from ninth to seventh. 

Quality candidates​

Kevin Green, REC chief executive, said demand to find skilled staff across many industries was expected to rise further into 2014. 

“As we enter 2015 the jobs market continues its strong performance. Recruiters are helping an increasing number of businesses find new permanent employees, and skills shortages in most areas of the economy mean that competition for quality candidates is driving up starting salaries.

“Economic growth for 2015 looks sustainable, however the concern now is that political uncertainty could spook the market as we approach a general election.

"The prospect of increased government intervention in the labour market as promised by the Left, questions around Britain’s position in the EU which are being posed by the Right, and the potential for protracted negotiations around a hung parliament come May could affect business confidence and hence future hiring.”

Bernard Brown, partner and head of business services at KPMG warned that businesses may have to start increasing salaries to ensure positions are filled. 

"Once again, a shortage of skills in key areas has led to a rise in the starting salaries on offer. It could mean that 2015 becomes the year in which the candidate finally becomes king.”

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