Three in five (59%) hospitality leaders say they will recruit at a greater rate than usual this year, a jump of 13 percentage points since the last confidence survey in December. Nearly one in ten (9%) roles remain vacant and open for applications- a drop from the figure of 14% in late 2021.

Sebastien Sepierre, managing director – EMEA, Fourth, said: “Recruitment continues to be a major challenge for the sector as it builds back after an extremely challenging two-year period. When it comes to labour, it’s more important than ever that sector businesses are continuing to plan ahead, helping them to accurately manage demand and ensure they have the optimum number of staff across each and every shift.

“Technology can play a key role in helping businesses do this, and also ensures they can hire, train, engage and retain workers, providing smart solutions to manage consumer demand accurately in these testing times.”

Only half (52%) of leaders say they feel confident about their recruitment and retention in the next 12 months. The Business Leaders’ Survey also highlights the impact of increases in the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage from April. Two thirds (67%) of leaders say this is a key challenge in 2022.

Phil Tate, CGA Group chief executive, added: “Our survey highlights the level of concern that the scramble for staff is causing across hospitality. While there are some signs of improvement in the first quarter of 2022, major shortages and severe upward pressure on pay are likely to continue throughout the year.

“On top of other rising costs, supply issues, the end of VAT relief and fragile consumer confidence, it is yet another challenge to the recovery of the sector, which needs and deserves sustained support from government.”