Business minister Paul Scully has urged businesses suffering from staff shortages to invest in the UK domestic workforce instead of relying on labour from abroad.
Scully, whose portfolio includes hospitality, was addressing the staff shortages which have left restaurant and pubs struggling to run their venues.
He said: “We want to see employers make long-term investments in the UK domestic workforce instead of relying on labour from abroad. Businesses should be looking at how to make employment more attractive, including through wage increases and offering training.”
The comments come as the Daily Mail reported several high street brands advertising roles below the real living wage of £9.50 per hour outside London, or £10.85 in the capital.
Prospective ‘team members’ at Pret A Manger in London receive the minimum wage of £8.91 per hour, while team leaders will be paid between £10.01 and £10.35.
Caffe Nero will pay all new baristas £8.91, and McDonald’s pays £8.91 per hour or £9 in London.
Costa last week announced it would increase wages for its baristas in its cafes from a starting wage of £8.91 to £9.36 per hour.
Wagamama is hiring kitchen porters in London on wages of £8.96 per hour, and head chefs for £10.45.
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Scully: ‘Invest in UK workforce’
Business minister Paul Scully has urged businesses suffering from staff shortages to invest in the UK domestic workforce instead of relying on labour from abroad. Scully, whose portfolio includes hospitality, was addressing the staff shortages which have left restaurant and pubs struggling to run their venues. The comments come as the Daily Mail reported several high street brands advertising roles below the real living wage of £9.50 per hour outside London, or £10.85 in the capital.
