Bristol hotel bosses are backing the possible introduction of a new short-term visa scheme, saying it could help solve their long-running staff-shortage problems.
The Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA) – which represents 40 hotels in and around the city with around 4,000 rooms between them – has welcomed news that the government is looking into a scheme that would enable anyone aged between 18 and 30 to work and travel in Britain for two years without sponsor or salary threshold requirements.
Bristol’s hospitality sector was hit hard by the impact of both Brexit and the pandemic lockdowns, with many European workers who went home when Covid-19 forced businesses to temporarily close unable to return under post-Brexit legislation.
As a result, businesses have been unable to return staffing levels to pre-pandemic levels – forcing some to close, while many others are struggling to survive,
Two years ago the BHA claimed there were around 500 vacancies across Bristol’s hospitality sector when it first called on ministers to reverse the post-Brexit ban on visas for EU hospitality workers.
Now it says the situation is far worse – with around 700 chef vacancies, 400 housekeeping positions not filled and around 350 bar staff needed.
BHA chair Raphael Herzog, pictured, said: “I understand that the Home Office is having discussions with a number of EU countries which could become part of the youth mobility scheme.
“Anything which can help us with recruitment the staff we need to get our businesses fully up and running again is welcome and will make such a difference.”
He said the BHA would also like the visa scheme to go beyond the EU, and be extended to the likes of India, as well as extend the roles it would apply to where we are currently experiencing shortages.
“I understand the current proposals would cover positions such as baristas and waiters, but we would like it to be extended to cover chefs, therapists, room attendants and others,” he added.
There is a similar picture across the country, with trade body UKHospitality estimating vacancies in the sector are still 48% higher than they were before the Covid-19 crisis.
But while Mr Herzog welcomed possible good news on the short-term visa scheme, he said there was some potentially bad news to counterbalance it.
The Home Office is considering increasing the immigration health surcharge and the application fee for skilled-worker visas, which, he argues, will deter people from pursuing permanent careers in hospitality.
“Hospitality has traditionally had a large transient workforce, with young people in particular taking roles as a short-term way to earn money while they consider their long-term opportunities,” he said.
“We have been working hard to persuade people to consider a long-term career in hospitality but this proposed increase in visa fees for migrant workers could easily put off potential staff from overseas from considering coming to the UK.
“While the short-term visa scheme may well help ease our current recruitment crisis, it will maintain the transient, temporary nature of our workforce, whereas we would also like to see more support to promote permanent positions in our vibrant and exciting sector.”
He said Bristol was a good place for people to begin their career in hospitality.
“Most available positions pay more than the Living Wage for entry-level chefs, therapists and room attendants, with added perks such as service charges, tips, extra holidays, charity days, free access to gyms and staff accommodation.
“We really do have so much to offer. We have been struggling for years now to find the staff numbers we need to get our businesses back up and running properly again, providing guests and customers with the levels and standards of service they expect.
“We welcome any support, of course, but do urge the government to not just think of quick-fix, short-term, solutions but listen to business owners and help us provide some long-term stability which will increase confidence in the sector, and that will be beneficial for all, since hospitality makes such a significant contribution to the UK economy.”
