BHA partners with Barclays in hospitality job creation drive
The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has teamed up with Barclays to strengthen its ambition to create 60,000 jobs in the sector by 2015.
The two organisations will pool resources to help young people get ready for work, and find quality apprenticeships and job opportunities.
The collaboration aims to double the number of new jobs the BHA has already helped the industry to pledge to 60,000, and help ensure a thriving hospitality and leisure sector in the UK.
With more than 2.7 million people employed in hospitality - around 10% of the UK workforce - it is the fourth largest industry in the UK, delivering £53b a year in GVA (wages and profits) to the economy.
According to Barclays' Job Creation Survey 2013, it is one of the most active sectors for apprenticeships. Almost a third (31%) of employers surveyed have already taken on apprentices, and a further 44% - the highest percentage of any industry sector - plan to take on further apprentices in 2013.
Barclays will support the BHA's campaign to inspire the next generation through a nationwide tour of events to showcase the variety of career paths available to young people in the hospitality industry. It will also help local employers find young people who are keen to start a career with them.
Meanwhile the BHA will join and back LifeSkills, a programme created by Barclays to help equip one million young people with the skills they need to make the transition from education to employment.
Mike Saul, head of hospitality and leisure at Barclays, commented: "As one of the largest industries in the country, the hospitality and leisure sector has an important role to play in driving growth across the UK.
"Barclays is committed to supporting this growth, and it's vital that our next generation of workers are able to access the varied, and fulfilling career opportunities that exist within it. This partnership will bring together our combined expertise to support these goals."
