UKH ‘encouraged’ as job vacancies fall by 35,000 in 2023
The ONS statistics come as UKH continues to call for measures that further enhance hospitality’s ability to invest and develop its staff
UKH has been “encouraged” by news that job vacancies within the industry have fallen by 35,000 within 2023, according to new figures from the ONS.
However, current vacancies still remain “far higher” than pre-pandemic levels, when there were 89,000.
According to UKH, reforms to the apprenticeships levy and addressing the cost burden for employers can ensure vacancies continue to fall.
The ONS statistics come as UKH continues to call for measures that further enhance hospitality’s ability to invest and develop its staff, primarily through reform of the apprenticeship levy.
UKH also stressed that the ever-rising cost burden for businesses also needs to be addressed, particularly before the national living wage increase in April.
Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKH, said: “It’s encouraging news that vacancies over the past year have fallen by such a considerable amount. Hospitality businesses have invested heavily in their recruitment and how they develop their own talent – this progress is testament to their work.
“However, there is still much more to do. We still have 23,000 more vacancies than before the pandemic and recruitment is still challenging. It’s why our vacancy rate remains high at 8%. Hospitality can continue to drive down vacancies and create more jobs, if we are supported to do so.”
She added: “What’s incredibly pressing is reducing the cost burden for venues, which continues to be the driver of closures. The national living wage increase in April is at the forefront of everyone’s mind right now and measures to reduce business costs are critical to help venues with the increased wage cost this brings.”
