Hotel offers free four-course lunch in a bid to attract new recruits

As the staffing crisis leads operators to look at novel ways to appeal to new recruits the Vineyard at Stockcross has invited potential chefs to a free four-course meal, complete with Champagne and canapes.

The invitation is open to qualified chefs who are "looking for a new opportunity or are interested in starting an apprenticeship [in] the kitchen", and offers them to the chance see what the team serve up from the other side of the pass.

General manager Paul Shanahan and executive chef Tom Scade will host the potential recruits on 9 May, inviting them to chat to Scade further if they like what they see and taste.

The latest Business Leaders' Survey by CGA and Fourth showed only half (52%) of hospitality leaders felt confident about their staff recruitment and retention in the next 12 months.

Last week The Caterer reported that ongoing staff shortages are contributing to increasing incidents of employee poaching in hospitality, with rivals and recruiters using online and offline "war tactics" to convince workers to switch jobs.