Greater Manchester business leaders are urging hospitality employers to improve their working conditions in the face of a ‘staffing crisis’.

The hospitality industry is recovering from almost 18 months of lockdowns and restrictions but faces another challenge – recruiting staff.  

Thousands of experienced staff have left the industry and many EU nationals previously employed in the sector find themselves unable to work in the UK. However, business leaders believe the problem runs deeper.  

Nearly 10% of the nation’s workforce are employed by the night-time economy, the fifth biggest industry in the UK. Workers in this sector, which includes pubs, bars and restaurants, are paid disproportionately less compared to the larger economy. 

The lack of pay and good working conditions could be contributing to unfilled jobs and dwindling businesses.  

Night-time Economy Adviser Sacha Lord and Chair of Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership Lou Cordwell are encouraging hospitality employers to sign up to Greater Manchester’s Good Employment Charter, an assessment scheme used to improve employment standards.  

Sacha Lord added: “It is time to raise standards and ensure fair pay in our hospitality sector. We can't expect the youngest and hardest hit by the pandemic to be satisfied with minimum wage roles, when they can earn higher salaries elsewhere in office work or in retail. 

“Greater Manchester is already a becoming leader in Good Employment in so many sectors thanks to our Good Employment Charter. The Charter supports employers to improve conditions for their employees, like paying the Real Living Wage, providing more flexible work and developing excellent recruitment practices. I believe our hospitality businesses now need to get on board and be at the forefront of Good Employment.” 

Lou Cordwell continued: “What the hospitality industry is now experiencing is nothing short of a staffing crisis. The best way for businesses to address this crisis is to set a new standard, and this starts with offering fair pay, secure work, better conditions and more opportunities to progress.” 

Find out more about the Good Employment Charter.