Catering and Hospitality
The catering and hospitality industry includes a wide range of establishments such as hotels, hostels, restaurants, cafes, pubs and contract catering. The profession currently employs 2.5 million people in the UK.
East of England employment in this sector is nearing 160,000 in over 15,000 workplaces. Almost 78% of establishments employ 10 or fewer employees.
The sector has a large proportion of people aged 25 and under compared to the average across all sectors, and a high turnover of staff, which creates good opportunities for those wanting to start work in this industry.
There is a shortage of staff with managerial and supervisory skills and qualifications.
Recent research indicates that the traditionally high rates of staff turnover in this sector may be due to individuals seeking greater career progression. However, there is enormous scope for movement between the industry's many and varied sectors.
How much could I earn?
Bar Staff £7,372
Hotel Porter £14,023
Hotel/Accommodation Manager £28,921
House Keeper £11,549
Restaurant/Catering Manager £20,005
Waiter/ Waitress £7,639
*Salary rates have been calculated using the average gross pay rates for full time workers. Figures are for the United Kingdom. Averages can hide higher earnings. With training and career development, higher salaries can be achieved. Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2009, O.N.S., © Crown Copyright.
What we think will happen
Particular skills shortages exist for chefs/cooks and for managers with a range of skills including people management, problem solving, commercial and business skills. There is also a need to develop knowledge of industry trends to secure repeat business.
Growth in the catering and hospitality sector is closely linked with the economy as a whole, and with consumer confidence. The recession has meant people are less willing to spend money on leisure activities and as a result many businesses such as public houses are being forced to close.
However, with an increasing awareness of the environmental impact of foreign travel, more people are likely to holiday in the UK in future, increasing demand for high quality hospitality services.
ICT skills are important in the industry, particularly in hotels where many of which are now developing e-marketing strategies both to develop new business and to retain repeat customers.
New qualifications, called Diplomas, are being introduced. These will help people prepare for university, college or work. There will be a Diploma in Hospitality. Look out to see whether it’s on offer in your area.
Certain facts/figures are reproduced under the terms of the Click-Use Licence. © Red Bridge Solutions Ltd (www.redbridgesolutions.co.uk) December 2009
More information is contained in the pdf below.