The restaurant group is welcoming applicants of all ages and levels of experience to join its team for as little as one shift a week, effective across all its restaurants in Cornwall, London, Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire.
The group hopes the move will attract talented people from all backgrounds and combat the challenge of industry-wide staff shortages following the combined knock-on effects of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a growing desire for flexible careers that enable a positive work-life balance.
The roles target people looking for flexible work, including career-changers, students looking to pick up weekend shifts over the summer and former hospitality professionals keen to hone their skills a few days a week, says the company.
“We know that hospitality is a hugely rewarding career, and we welcome people from all walks of life to experience that, without personal circumstances getting in the way,” says co-founder and company director Jill Stein, whose sister Roni Arnold joined The Seafood Restaurant team 34 years ago and still works two shifts a week as a sommelier.
“I am so proud that we’re broadening our horizons, moving with the times and offering people the chance to join our team on a basis that works for them. Welfare is so important to us, and we understand that for some people a day or two a week is all that’s needed, so we’re ready to offer that with some amazing roles across the restaurants and shops.”
Part-time and flexible members of the team will receive the same benefits as those working more hours, including service charge, paid holiday and a 50% discount in the restaurants.
Earlier this year the group launched a Chef Apprenticeship scheme with anyone over the age of 16 encouraged to start the work-based scheme before September 2022. Apprentices learn on the job with those completing the course receiving a Level 2 in Professional Cookery qualification.
Last year it also encouraged unemployed hospitality workers to move to Cornwall to fill vacancies within the group.