HTF adviser to liaise on New Deal

THE Hospitality Training Foundation (HTF) has seconded one of its employees to the Department for Education and Employment to iron out problems with the Government's New Deal programme.

Many large hotel groups have had trouble finding workers who want to apply for positions in the industry. But from next week, Suzanna Dougherty, previously adviser to small businesses for the HTF, is to become a liaison officer to promote the industry to those interviewing the unemployed on choosing a career.

The move follows a meeting between the British Hospitality Association (BHA) and Government ministers in July.

BHA chief executive Jeremy Logie said there are a range of difficulties that need to be overcome, including the industry's poor image and the discovery that people taking on jobs are unsuitable.