EU hospitality workers rank UK most desirable place to work
Hospitality workers from across the EU have ranked the UK as the most desirable place to work, despite concerns about a shrinking workforce after Brexit.
Sixteen per cent of workers in the hospitality sector named the UK as their top location, according to a survey of 21,000 employees carried out by Caterer.com.
In addition, almost a quarter of respondents said there are more than ten different nationalities in their workforce.
The research highlights the global outlook of the hospitality industry and the importance of retaining foreign workers. The sector accounts for 10 per cent of UK employment, according to trade body UK Hospitality.
Caterer.com director Neil Pattison said: “The UK offers some of the most diverse roles in the sector with an abundance of opportunities to grow and learn for workers to put down roots long-term.”
But the findings come amid concerns that the sector could face a workforce shortage if employees chose to leave the UK after the country leaves the EU in March.
The number of EU citizens immigrating to the UK fell to 87,000 in the year to March 2018, its lowest level since 2012, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Switzerland and Germany ranked close behind the UK in the survey, both taking 14 per cent of the vote.
“To remain competitive, employers need to consider how supporting candidates through the relocation process and beyond will attract employees,” Pattison added.