Hospitality job openings decreased to 112,000 by the close of 2023, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), indicating a drop of 147,000 during the same period in 2022.

The decline of 35,000 is seen as a positive development for the sector, yet cautions persist, underscoring that there is still significant work ahead to return vacancies to the pre-pandemic level of 89,000.

Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality, 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%.”

UKHospitality is reiterating its appeal for initiatives it contends will 'further bolster the sector's capacity to invest and cultivate its workforce,' primarily through the overhaul of the Apprenticeship Levy.

It emphasises the necessity to address the 'escalating cost burden for businesses' in anticipation of the National Living Wage increase in April.

Nicholls added:

“Hospitality can continue to drive down vacancies and create more jobs, if we are supported to do so.

Reform of the Apprenticeship Levy would allow businesses to enhance their skills and development offering even further and is something the entire economy is supportive of.

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 increase wage cost this brings.”

Source: Restaurant Online