London hoteliers pledge 1,000 jobs for young people by 2015
Top London hotels have committed to creating more than 1,000 new job opportunities for young people by 2015.
The pledges have been inspired by the British Hospitality Association's jobs campaign - the Big Conversation.
The initiative includes regional sessions where hoteliers, restaurateurs and contract caterers will hear examples of good practice in work placement and apprenticeships, before being asked to make pledges to improve the structure of their operation's employment programmes.
As a result of the London meeting hotels including the Goring, Hilton, Four Seasons Hotel, Ritz, Savoy, Park Plaza, Marriott, Royal Garden Hotel, Shangri-La and Premier Inn have committed to offer a mix of work experience, apprenticeships and full time job roles for 16-24 year olds.
British Hospitality Association chief executive Ufi Ibrahim (pictured) said: "The BHA is galvanising the industry to invest in our best resource - our young people and from the response we have received so far this is happening. London has set a terrific start with more than 1,000 job opportunities pledged and the campaign is now going all over the UK."
Patrick Dempsey, managing director of Whitbread and chairman of the BHA's jobs campaign said the commitment sent out a strong message.
He added: "The industry has many job vacancies and huge career opportunities. Hopefully more young people will realise this and look to this industry to achieve their dreams and their potential."
Red Carnation Hotels made the greatest commitment, promising 100 new jobs for young people between now and 2015.
General manager Jonathan Raggett explained: "For young people, working in the hospitality industry is often overlooked, yet it offers a rewarding, challenging and serious career choice. We wholeheartedly support this industry wide initiative to get more of our young people into work and encourage other hospitality companies to get involved."
Ufi Ibrahim says hospitality industry can help Government achieve its job creation target >>
