DWP launches Hospitality Works campaign with industry leaders to tackle staffing crisis

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched its Hospitality Works campaign for 2019 in conjunction with industry leaders and national employers as the sector looks to tackle the ongoing staff shortage.

First launched in 2015, the campaign has created some 8,000 work placements across the industry. This year the DWP will be working alongside charity Springboard and trade bodies UKHospitality and the British Beer and Pub Association.

Springboard's chief executive Anne Pierce said: "In an industry where skills shortages continue to be challenging and labour shortages heading rapidly to crisis point, there is an acute need to take positive action to attract more people from the UK into the hospitality industry and fill the growing number of vacancies - particularly in the cities.

"This is why Springboard will be, once again, joining DWP as a major partner in Hospitality Works, rallying our industry partners, ambassadors and delivery teams to engage, inspire and influence jobseekers to join our fantastic industry, through a range of national and local inspirational activities and events in partnership with job centres in every region of the country."

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, added: "The BBPA are delighted to once again support the Hospitality Works campaign. Our industry needs to do more to recruit UK citizens to our workforce whether behind the bar or in our kitchens, as pub chefs, or wider roles within the team.

"I am pleased our members are taking part in this important campaign up and down the country, working with job centres and potential employees. Campaigns such as Hospitality Works do a great job of promoting the huge variety of career options which the hospitality sector can provide, enabling those looking for work to embark on an exciting and rewarding career."