2022 ended with jobs in hospitality easing back as the industry continues to grapple with the cost-of-living crisis, energy costs and labour shortages. In the final three months, jobs were 27% lower compared to the same period twelve months earlier. When you consider the hiring peaks of 2021, the fallback is not unexpected. However, notwithstanding, hospitality jobs have yet to return to their pre-Covid numbers.
Our analysis of the jobs posted on Jobs.ie reveals that the in-demand professionals across the industry include Banqueting chefs, Hotel Sales Executives, Assistant Restaurant Managers, and Senior Bar Managers.
With 2023 well underway and as thoughts turn to recruitment for a hopefully busy summer season, there is plenty for employers in hospitality to consider.
With unemployment at a twenty-year low, we are now within shouting distance of full employment, and there are currently a third more vacancies available across the job market compared to the pre-pandemic period. As a result, employers across all sectors are facing a competitive hiring environment.
Talent shortages within hospitality are not new. Highly skilled culinary professionals such as Chefs have always been a challenge to hire, but now hospitality recruiters are being forced to compete with other sectors, such as retail and customer service, as all businesses chase a limited supply of talent.
Christopher Paye, General Manager of Jobs.ie says, “In this competitive hiring environment, hospitality employers must adapt quickly to the changing nature of the recruitment process and remain responsive to the needs of the jobseeker. It’s important to attract talent not only on salary terms but by offering flexibility and benefits and providing a positive employee experience to boost ongoing retention. While quick, clear and consistent communication throughout the hiring journey will help with candidate engagement and reduce drop-offs.
Taking a step back, I would echo the recent comments of Paul Lenehan, President of the Restaurant Association, when he observed that we need to find new ways to encourage people to come into the industry and change how people perceive working in hospitality so they can see the amazing career opportunities available within the sector.”
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