Hospitality staffing suffers Brexit effect
Some premises are having to close down temporarily
Perthshire hospitality b u s i n e s s e s a re continuing to face a tough time getting staff.
On Monday , the proprietors of the Kirklands Hotel in Kinross, Anthony and Shona Clifford, had to advise customers of a temporary shut down.
And although it has reopened again, it lost two days of potential takings.
The hotel management posted on Facebook: “Sorry to say folks that we will be closing for a couple of days again this week.
“Unfortunately due to staff shortages and illness we cannot cover the full week. We will be closed Monday 4 and Tuesday 5, reopening Wednesday, October 6 at 12pm for lunch service.”
The Kirklands has lost income for the same reason just a few months ago. The hotel posted of a day shut on August 30 with the explanation: “Like many others we are still struggling with staff shortages and this is making things very difficult at the moment. We really hope that with some new faces joining the team next week we should not have to do this again.”
Last mont and appeal was posted online for the Kenmore Hotel featuring a list of in-house positions that were vacant, with new general manager William Inglis warning the business was “on its knees” over the problem of recruiting workers.
William went away interviewing potential applicants and more recently a two- minute video describing what an attractive place Kenmore was to work in was shared on social media.
The hotel continued its appeal for applications and flagged up potential earnings: “We’ve been very well supported by the Facebook community over the last few days in our search for superstar waiters, receptionist and room attendants.
“We are still searching for creative chefs.... It’s a really exciting time to join us as a Sous Chef £30k, CDP £25k, Commis £21k and KP £10ph.”
MP for Perth and North Perthshire Pete Wishart and Highland ward councillor Mike Williamson recently went on a visit to talk to businesses in Highland Perthshire about the staffing difficulties they face at the moment.
In recent weeks it is understood there were over 80 vacancies for chefs within Highland Perthshire alone.
The SNP politicians view the difficulties that the local economy is facing as being a consequence of Brexit.
Pete Wishart MP noted: “The increased bureaucracy of getting parts and materials was a notable feature of the difficulties that Taiga Upland and Edradour Distillery have been experiencing.
“They are looking at new processes, however, to adapt to the changed environment and in both instances deserve a great deal of credit for their innovative and flexible approach to changing circumstances.”
At coach ser v i c e Elizabeth Yule, they struggle with labour shortages of drivers.
Mr Wishart added: “During COVID [ the coach transport company Elizabeth Yule] was hit hardest as one of the forgotten industries impacted by the pandemic and it seems that the bus industry continues to be low down on the UK Government’s priority list.
“While they are asking HGV drivers to come here for the unattractive threemonth visa ending on Christmas Eve, they have made no provision at all to increase the availability of bus drivers.”
Cllr Williamson added: “The hospitality and agricultural industries were the first to be impacted because of labour shortages.
“These labour shortages have been caused by the ending of free movement, and they will surely start to put more pressure on our supply chains and the delivery of core services.”