‘Springboard 2022’ is aiming to reverse hospitality’s skills deficit and staffing crisis, which has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The project is trying to get 10,0000 young people trained and ready for work by December 2022.

In addition CH&CO has chosen to work with Springboard to generate work placements for young people through the Kickstart scheme. Kickstart is part of the Government’s plan to create jobs for young people at risk of long-term unemployment as companies kickstart their business post Covid-19.      

Charlotte Hutchings, group people director at CH&CO, said: “The pandemic and lockdowns have caused untold damage to what was an already delicate hospitality talent pool.

“Working with Springboard, we are proud to be able to pledge that through our updated recruitment process and our engagement with the Kickstart programme, we will play our part in tackling the staffing crisis and regenerating the industry. Investing in people is invaluable to protect the future of our business and the industry. After all, people are what hospitality is all about.”

All entry level roles across the business- including Gather & Gather, Vacherin and Company of Cooks will be advertised through Springboard before any other external recruitment platforms.

Chris Gamm, chief executive of Springboard, added: “It’s critical that leaders from across our sector come together to aid the long-term recovery of hospitality post-Covid. Through our new initiative we will work towards ensuring a skilled and engaged talent pipeline ready for when the industry needs it most.

“We would like to thank CH&CO for its commitment to support Springboard’s response to the hospitality industry’s massive skills deficit and staffing crisis. It’s collaborations and industry alliances like these that will enable the sector to recover and thrive once more.”