UKH welcomes gov’s new ‘hospitality strategy’

UKHospitality has welcomed the launch of a new ‘hospitality strategy’, which reportedly recognises the contribution the sector’s pubs, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs and other venues make to the UK’s economic and social wellbeing.

The strategy sets out a raft of measures, including highlighting opportunities in the hospitality industry to job seekers through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) work coaches, as well as helping the sector address current recruitment challenges.

This is on top of the £352bn package of economic support to help ease businesses back to operating normally.

The government has also set out ways to help the sector improve its resilience, which includes making hospitality a “career option of choice”, boosting “creativity and developing a greener sector”.

Paul Scully, business minister, said: “We want young people to see the hospitality sector as a go-to option for long-term careers, and that’s why we will explore new options for vocational training and help further boost the creativity and environmental friendliness of the sector through the first-ever government strategy for the hospitality industry.”

Kate Nicholls, chief executive, UKHospitality, added: “Building and training our workforce is a top priority if hospitality is to quickly revive and drive a national recovery, so it’s incredibly positive that a key part of this strategy is focused on addressing the current recruitment challenges and raising the profile of long-term sector careers.

“Ultimately, this strategy sets out a positive vision for the future of hospitality and how a thriving sector can help regenerate high streets and tourism destinations across every part of the country. We look forward to working closely with the government to deliver a plan of action.”