D&D London to extend paid 'summer school' to tackle staff shortages

D&D London is to continue its paid hospitality training programme after hailing the first session a success.

The restaurant group launched its ‘summer school’ for people with little or no experience in hospitality this month in a bid to tackle staff shortages across its restaurants.

Thirty-two of the the 37 participants in the first session were offered jobs in back of house, front of house and bar roles in D&D restaurants, including Launceston Place, 100 Wardour Street and 14 Hills.

More than 100 people have expressed their interest in the programme since its announcement on 1 July, D&D said.

The next week-long school will take place from 3 August at 100 Wardour Street, with training for commis waiter, commis chef and bar-back roles. More dates are expected to follow.

Each week's session will conclude with a graduation ceremony attended by D&D founders Des Gunewardena and David Loewi.

Loewi said: “Hospitality is all about people – the right people in the right place, building their skills and helping them to achieve their ambitions. Our new summer school is working to deliver this.”

Hospitality groups across the country have been getting creative to tackle the staff shortages hitting the sector. In Scotland Buzzworks is offering bonuses of up to £1,500 for referrals, while the Times has reported that London’s Caprice Holdings has transformed its Le Caprice restaurant site into a training academy.

Anyone interested in taking part in D&D course can find more information here.