Vacancies fall by 35,000, but remain above pre-Covid levels
January 16, 2024
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Reforms to the Apprenticeship Levy and addressing the cost burden for employers can ensure vacancies continue to fall, says UKHospitality.
New figures from the Office for National Statistics show that there were 112,000 vacancies in hospitality at the end of 2023, down from 147,000 at the same time in 2022. Current vacancies remain far higher than pre-pandemic levels, when there were 89,000.
We are continuing to call for measures that further enhance the sector’s ability to invest and develop its staff, primarily through reform of the Apprenticeship Levy.
The ever-rising cost burden for businesses also needs to be addressed, which is critical ahead of the National Living Wage increase in April.
147,000Vacancies at the end of 2022
112,000Vacancies at the end of 2023
35,000Total reduction in vacancies
Attend our Workforce & Skills Event to hear expert insight on recruitment and retention
This jam-packed event, taking place on Wednesday 28th February in London, is ideal for anyone in the industry interested in sharing experiences, learning from experts and receiving updates on the workforce and skills landscape.
As well as tackling the issues surrounding workforce and skills in the industry, we will also be launching the new Hospitality Skills Passport, a revolutionary new tool that can transform how businesses recruit, as well as presenting results of the Government-backed skills pilot scheme.
Our response
Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: “It’s encouraging news that vacancies over the past year have fallen by such a considerable amount.
“Hospitality businesses have invested heavily in their recruitment and how they develop their own talent – this progress is testament to their work.
“However, there is still much more to do. We still have 23,000 more vacancies than before the pandemic and recruitment is still challenging. It’s why our vacancy rate remains high at 8%.
“Hospitality can continue to drive down vacancies and create more jobs, if we are supported to do so. Reform of the Apprenticeship Levy would allow businesses to enhance their skills and development offering even further and is something the entire economy is supportive of.
“What’s incredibly pressing is reducing the cost burden for venues, which continues to be the driver of closures.
“The National Living Wage increase in April is at the forefront of everyone’s mind right now and measures to reduce business costs are critical to help venues with the increase wage cost this brings.”
