A recent survey by UK Hospitality has laid bare the damage to the British hospitality sector created by the shortage of workers – and the impact is being felt across golf clubs too.
UK Hospitality reported that nearly half (45%) of its operators have cut opening hours or reduced capacity in order to cope, costing the leisure and hospitality sector £21bn in lost revenue.
Golf Club Managers have been forced to work in front-of-house roles such as in the bar, which while sustainable for a short period of time, will no doubt negatively impact the club if continued over the medium term.
In a joint statement, UK Hospitality, the British Institute of Innkeeping, and the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “These figures clearly show the danger to the industry and financial loss to the country via taxes posed by the current staffing crisis. In short, the recovery of both the sector and the UK economy are being threatened by this workforce shortage.”
The survey reveals that the highest shortages are for front of house roles, with 81% of those operators with vacancies looking to fill these roles. Chefs are the next most sought after, with 76% of operators with vacancies looking to recruit these positions, followed by kitchen porters (67%), and front of house managers (53%).
Recent ONS figures show sector currently has a record 174,000 jobs available and is experiencing 83% more vacancies compared to March-May 2019 (the most recent comparable period).
Speaking of the report, Matthew Orwin, Director of Promote People, who offer the golf industry low-cost fixed fee recruitment solutions, says “The findings from UK Hospitality are aligned with feedback that we are getting from golf clubs on a daily basis, with senior Golf Club Managers and staff from other departments helping out in hospitality. Of course, it is great that Managers are hands on and help maintain the morale of the team, especially at peak times when it is – all hands on deck. However, when the Manager starts doing regular shifts, is even on the staff rota to do so, then that’s a whole different matter and poses the question – is this sustainable for the longevity of the business?”.
For more information about Promote People, visit www.promotepeople.co.uk
