Headcount in the hospitality workforce is down by 2.4%, the first time it has dropped since the furlough scheme ended in 2021 according to research by Fourth.
However, data from Fourth’s hospitality workforce report shows that the QSR category appears to be an exception to the trend towards declining headcount and is up 3.9% in the year to June.
“We’re definitely seeing quick service continue to expand,” said Fourth’s customer success director Adam Dattis.
“Takeaways still appeal, even during a cost of living crisis. We know people aren’t going out as much, they’re more inclined to treat themselves at home”, he added.
A shrinking workforce has put increased pressure on individuals, and hours worked by employees across the industry are now at 105% compared to the same period last year.
This is a rise across all sectors except pubs, which have maintained productivity with hours worked at 99% compared to June 2022.
Sales per labour hour, a key measure of productivity, is up 13% in the year through to June.
While price increases are a contributing factor, UK wage growth from April to June could have been another driver with regular pay increasing 7.8% during this period.
The report also revealed that Q4 of last year saw an estimated 4 million job applications in the sector, with 27% of applicants thought to be seeking roles as a means of securing additional income.
Data shows that around a quarter of the UK’s hospitality workforce is now estimated to be over 50, with many seeking additional work to top up their pensions.
It noted that 35% of hospitality workers had witnessed age discrimination in the workplace, with age bias the third most reported form of discrimination after gender and race.
Fourth’s managing Director – EMEA, Sebastien Sepierre, said that operators need to consider diversity within the workforce and how new technologies impact employee experience.
“Promoting inclusion in the hospitality workforce is a multifaceted challenge. But the contribution of technology solutions to that overall picture is often overlooked.
”The tech staff are required to use, and how easy it is for everyone to master, can have a huge impact on addressing unhelpful stereotypes – or perpetuating them.”
