Schools failing hospitality industry

The hospitality industry is being failed by the UK's education system, employers have warned.

According to a study by the Sector Skills Council People 1st, 85% of employers and trade associations in the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism sectors felt schools did not adequately prepare people for the world of work, while 72% argued that vocational qualifications were not fit for the purpose.

Nearly a third of employers in the three sectors had skills gaps in their workforces, which affected their bottom lines, People 1st added.

And more than 12,000 job vacancies remained unfilled because of a lack of candidates with the skills needed to do the job.

Brian Wisdom, chief executive of People 1st, said: "Employers in the sector are reporting that their staff lack the very skills which should form the basis of their businesses, such as customer care, communication and team working skills. We need to raise the game on skills across the industry."

by Nic Paton

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