Raymond Blanc asks parents to see ‘extraordinary' value of hospitality industry
Chef Raymond Blanc has urged parents to see the "extraordinary" value that a career in hospitality can bring to their children.
Speaking on the Hospitality Rising podcast, the chef patron of Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire said: "It's a great time to be bringing young people to our industry and to show them how exciting, and how extraordinary the industry can be.
"You're talking about working in a very smart, elegant environment which is all about beauty and refinement, and making people happy."
He added: "Because of the changes and the revolution we're creating in our industry, I hope that every parent would think one day, yes, I would want to put my son or my daughter in this industry."
It comes after Thomasina Miers, founder of Wahaca, told the podcast earlier this month that her Mexican restaurant group is having to turn down customer bookings due to a shortage of staff.
Hospitality Rising, a national recruitment campaign aimed at tackling staff shortages by attracting young people into the industry, officially launched last month.
It has asked supporters of the initiative to pledge £10 per employee to help it raise £5m in funding. This will be used to launch a "government-sized" recruitment campaign that it is hoped will change the perception of the industry for good.
Mark McCulloch, founder of Hospitality Rising and campaign director, said: "Like Raymond says, the hospitality industry can only become a greater place by ensuring we have employers who create the best training and support for those who wish to kick start a career within the industry.
"We also want employers, role models and parents to shine a light on the opportunities and promise of where hospitality can lead. This movement is all making the industry a better place for all, including creating an environment that supports young people and gives them the confidence to be the best they can be."
Hospitality Rising is currently backed by chefs Tom Kerridge and Angela Hartnett, as well as brands such as Pret A Manger, Prezzo and Hilton.
The latest figures from CGA by Nielsen IQ and Fourth still revealed that one in nine hospitality jobs remain vacant despite improvements in recruitment.
