Demand for U.K. Hospitality Workers Soars by 46%

• The number of online job adverts for hospitality workers in the North East has more than doubled since 2019, according to an analysis of new ONS data by Indeed Flex
• The UK has seen 46% more job adverts for hospitality staff since the pandemic as employers struggle to fill vacancies 
• The highest demand for hospitality staff at the end of 2022 was in London, with more than 10,000 positions advertised in one month

Demand for UK hospitality workers has risen by 46% compared to pre-pandemic levels – with the number of online job adverts for staff in the North East more than doubling, according to an analysis of new ONS data¹ by Indeed Flex.

It’s a pattern repeated across the country, as employers in many sectors struggle to find staff. The biggest jump in demand for hospitality workers is in the North East, while Scotland saw a 61% increase in job adverts towards the end of 2022.

Increase in job adverts for hospitality workers, 2019 vs 2022

London had the highest total number of job vacancies, with 10,460 positions advertised online in December 2022, an increase of 26% compared to pre-pandemic levels. 

With soaring supply costs and rising wage demands amid the cost-of-living crisis, businesses in the hospitality sector are feeling the pinch. Indeed Flex offers a way for employers to boost their numbers by using temporary staff.

It was recently anticipated that hospitality job roles might be added to the Government’s shortage occupation list, which would make it easier for businesses to recruit from abroad. However, Migration Advisory Committee only added roles in construction². 

Recent research from Indeed Flex³ found 58% of businesses will be turning to temporary workers to support their permanent teams this year. A quarter (28%) of HR professionals whose business already uses temporary workers expect to make increased use of temps during 2023.

Novo Constare, CEO and Co-founder of Indeed Flex, said: “The hospitality sector is not alone in its struggle to fill positions — it’s a problem facing most sectors right now.

“But during the pandemic, hospitality was one of the sectors hit the hardest. Many businesses were forced to close for long periods and thousands of people were furloughed or made redundant. 

“The uncertainty in the hospitality sector made many workers look for other employment. Unfortunately, not all staff have returned.

“On top of rising costs and stretched budgets, it’s a difficult position for companies to be in and many businesses have come to see temporary staff as a vital resource.

“Indeed Flex gives employers access to a pool of skilled temporary workers, many of whom will work regularly for the same company, plus the flexibility to dial staff numbers up or down as the business’s needs change.”

1. ONS experimental analysis of labour demand changes, split by profession and local authority (and other geographies).
2. BBC. 
3. Indeed Flex surveyed 300 HR, operations and procurement professionals.