STAFFING
Help wanted! As the industry caters for one of its busiest summers in recent memory, a chronic staff shortage is proving to be a strain on many businesses’ resources. One of the biggest challenges that the tourism and hospitality sector in Devon and Cornwall has been facing postlockdown has been recruitment. With personal battles of increased living and operating costs and working even longer hours to fill staffing gaps in the business, the ongoing struggle of the industry trying to find its feet has been nothing short of relentless.
One of the most challenging recruitment periods I have ever experienced
The problem of being able to hire sufficient staff has been so bad that many establishments have had to remain closed for part of the week. VisitDevon director, Sally Everton, says it is “a huge challenge” and that there are numerous reasons for it.
“People have been on furlough and had a lifestyle change,” she says. “Within the European market, a number of folk went home while they were being paid 80% 14
TALKING TOURISM
furlough - and rather than return home, they have resigned. That’s caused a number of problems.” And she says many British workers have had a rethink during furlough, reluctant to change jobs in case there is another lockdown and they wouldn’t qualify for furlough. “It’s not just restaurants and pubs who are struggling to recruit,” she says. “It’s also a problem all across the holiday attractions and hotel industry. Many of our members are only able to open for the latter part of the week because they just don’t have enough staff. Hotels are particularly struggling across the board.” “Without doubt, one of the most challenging recruitment periods I have ever experienced,” is the summation of Joe Healey, MD of trading at Healeys Cyder Farm. And while it has undoubtedly been an issue for some businesses in the sector, Joe isn’t himself pointing the finger at Brexit. “Historically, I don’t believe we at Healeys have ever employed ‘non-UK’ workers in our hospitality, so Brexit feels less an issue for us,” he says. “For me, it feels like a combination of Furlough removing potential candidates from the market, but also a reflection of the poor perception people have on working in the hospitality industry. Low wages, anti-social shifts, ‘hard work’. Collectively, the industry needs SUMMER 2021
