Hospitality vacancies fall for fourth consecutive month

The number of job vacancies in the hospitality sector fell to 124,000 between May and July 2023, with figures down by 47,000 compared to the same time last year.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed accommodation and food service activities were among the sectors that experienced the “largest falls” in the number of unfilled roles.

There were 3,000 fewer vacancies in the latest recorded period than April to June this year.

The numbers reflect an ongoing downwards trend since November to January 2023, when vacancies rose to 145,000.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “It’s positive that vacancies in hospitality have fallen for the fourth consecutive month but it remains the case that levels are still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels and that average hours worked were down on the previous three months.

“Critical roles, like chefs, remain challenging to recruit and that continues to restrict hospitality businesses from operating at anywhere near their full capacity."

She added: “Significant investment to attract and develop our own talent continues, through apprenticeships and training, but we urge the Government to open up new immigration routes, such as widening the Youth Mobility Scheme and Shortage Occupation List, to help the sector reach its potential.”

Earlier this week, the government was revealed to be exploring a short-term visa scheme for under-30s from a select list of countries, including Taiwan, Norway and South Korea.

The deal would enable people aged between 18 and 30 to work and travel in Britain for two years without the additional requirements of sponsors or salary thresholds.

However, the barriers to permanent hospitality jobs are set to rise as the Home Office pursues plans to increase the immigration health surcharge and the application fee for skilled worker visas, which are needed for roles such as chef, bar manager and restaurant manager.

Skilled worker visas typically last for five years and requires a minimum salary of £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour.