UKH launches guide on recruiting over-50s
The new ‘Hospitality Guide to Recruiting Workers Aged 50+’ was developed by UKHospitality in partnership with the government’s over-50s ministerial taskforce
UKHospitality has launched a new guide that shows businesses how to adapt their recruitment practices with the aim to engage with the over-50s in the job market.
The initiative comes as hospitality continues to face staffing challenges, as the hospitality authority says that businesses should be “ensuring” that their recruitment practices reach this age group.
People over the age of 50 have historically been underrepresented in hospitality businesses, though an additional 1 million workers over the age of 50 are expected to be in the UK workforce by 2051.
It is reported that the new ‘Hospitality Guide to Recruiting Workers Aged 50+’, which was developed by UKHospitality in partnership with the government’s over-50s ministerial taskforce, highlights that job adverts should ensure imagery is age diverse and includes older workers, use language that doesn’t deter older workers, and emphasise employer benefits that may appeal to an older worker, such as flexible working.
Recruitment efforts should also be targeted where older workers are most likely to see them, which includes job boards targeted at older workers, using social media platforms like Facebook and physical advertising, such as on bus stops.
In addition, adaptations to the workplace need to be made to ensure workers over 50-years-old feel valued and comfortable. According to the guide, this could include adapting uniform policies, offering the opportunity to advance their skills, highlighting opportunities to progress and promoting flexible working arrangements.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “With hospitality continuing to deal with staffing challenges, it’s essential that businesses do all they can to appeal to everyone in the job markets. For far too long, the over-50s have been under-represented in our workforce but there is real untapped potential there to fix our workforce challenges.
“This guide is one of many steps UKHospitality is taking to increase our focus on this age group and what they can bring to business, and was identified as a priority area in our Workforce Strategy.”
She added: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to work with The Phoenix Group and the government on this important document and I hope it makes a tangible difference for businesses and the new workers they recruit as a result.”
