The owner of Wagamama said that the restaurant chain is trying to recruit chefs in one-fifth of its locations as companies across the economy have warned about recruitment difficulties.
The end of most of the UK coronavirus pandemic restrictions has resulted in Demand rebound in the hotel industry, This is one of the industries most affected by the disaster. However, many restaurants, bars and hotels are struggling to find enough workers to fill vacancies.
Wagamama, which serves pan-Asian food, is affected by a shortage of European employees Brexit immigration restrictionsIts CEO Thomas Heier told the Press Association that 30 of its 147 sites have encountered difficulties.
“We are particularly seeing a reduction in the EU’s labor force,” Haier said, “but another thing we are seeing is increased competition from logistics and delivery companies, which are struggling with more and more job openings. “
Industry lobby group UK Hospitality described the staff shortage as “serious”. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the vacancy rate in the hotel industry is 10%, which is equivalent to 210,000 jobs.
The rating agency Fitch said last week that Brexit had “intensified” the flow of workers from the UK back to the EU. It added that European employers are facing similar challenges, although the freedom of movement between EU countries and the high unemployment rate mean that the problem is not so serious.
Wagamama, it’s The Catering GroupOwners of brands such as Garfunkel’s and Chiquito have also reported high non-seasonal demand. Although restrictions on travel and socializing in the UK have been lifted, travel abroad to many popular destinations is still restricted, which means that expenditures have been transferred to other places.
“This is a perfect storm with higher than normal demand, mixed supply chain challenges and staff shortages in logistics,” Haier said.
Haier said food prices may also rise. “I don’t think we or anyone else is out of trouble.”
