News Bites
In this edition of News Bites, we’ll be talking about continuing economic hardship and energy bill worries, as well as a new focus on recruitment and equity, diversion and inclusion.
Spending in pubs lifts economy
In April, the Office for National Statistics revealed that gross domestic product rose by a slender 0.2%. This was partially because of higher spending in pubs and bars offsetting waves of public sector strikes. Kitty Ussher, chief economist at the Institute of Directors, said: “Households responded to the improving weather in April by raising their levels of discretionary spending.”
New initiative launched in Northern Ireland to tackle staff shortages
A new programme is being rolled out in Northern Ireland to help the hospitality and tourism industry attract and retain staff. The Wellbeing and Development Promise was developed by the UK Hospitality & Tourism Skills Board and will be delivered by Hospitality Ulster. Colin Neill, chief executive at Hospitality Ulster said: “The Wellbeing and Development Promise is a comprehensive initiative which will guide employers on best practice…and ultimately boost opportunities in the industry.”
One third of hospitality workers say they’ve experienced discriminatory behaviour
A new report from Be Inclusive Hospitality urges the industry to take steps to address inequality. It also found that out of those who said they’d experienced discrimination at work, both Black and Asian respondents cited racial bias as the reason. 52.5% of respondents also said they didn’t know if their employer had undertaken any equity, diversion and inclusion initiatives in the past year.
Only a third of hospitality firms optimistic about their future
As average energy process rise by 81%, a survey carried out for four of the UK’s largest hospitality groups revealed that only 29% of businesses feel good about the next 12 months. In a joint statement, the British Institute of Innkeeping, UKHospitality, the British Beer and Pub Association and Hospitality Ulster said: “With the Energy Bill Relief Scheme falling away last month businesses are back to paying high costs, with no end in sight.”