How Technology Can Help Solve the Hospitality Skills Shortage
How Technology Can Help Solve the Hospitality Skills Shortage
Key Takeaways
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Brexit and COVID-19 reduced the UK’s hospitality talent pool, leaving businesses struggling to recruit.
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New immigration rules mean 95% of hospitality visas issued in 2023 would now be ineligible.
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Technology can help employers attract new talent, improve candidate experience and reduce costs.
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Training and workforce planning tools can upskill staff and support retention.
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Recruitment agencies can combine technology with expertise to deliver faster, more effective hiring.
The Skills Shortage in Hospitality
The UK hospitality industry has long struggled to attract skilled workers, but the challenge has grown in recent years. Between Brexit, COVID-19, and stricter immigration laws, the workforce has shrunk. Under the latest rules, 95% of the 8,500 hospitality visas issued in 2023 would now be ineligible.
Although most workers still come from within the UK, the talent pool is shrinking. This is compounded by competition from other industries that offer better work-life balance, job security and development opportunities. The result is intense pressure on hospitality businesses to recruit and retain staff.
Without skilled employees, businesses risk poor customer service, overworked teams and higher costs — all of which impact profitability.
How Technology Helps Solve the Skills Shortage
Technology cannot replace the human touch that makes hospitality unique, but it can ease the pressure by streamlining processes and improving efficiency.
Attracting New Talent
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Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) store all applications in one searchable database.
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Automation tools manage interview scheduling, candidate communication and job posting.
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Data analytics show what makes a successful hire, improving recruitment decisions.
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Digital recruitment marketing helps employers reach wider candidate pools.
Improving the Candidate Experience
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Automated updates keep candidates informed throughout the process.
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Mobile-friendly careers sites reduce drop-offs during applications.
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Simplified processes make it easier for candidates to complete applications and interviews.
Delivering Training
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Online learning tools and apps allow employees to access training on-demand.
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Personalised learning plans track progress and skills development.
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Video tutorials, quizzes and online modules keep training engaging and accessible.
Scheduling and Workforce Planning
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Workforce management systems ensure the right staff are in place at the right time.
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Self-check-in, POS and inventory systems improve efficiency and reduce pressure on staff.
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Smarter planning reduces reliance on temporary staff and highlights when new hires are needed.
How to Use Technology to Improve Recruitment
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Review your current recruitment process and identify where delays occur.
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Introduce an ATS to centralise applications and streamline candidate management.
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Use automation to handle repetitive admin tasks like scheduling and reminders.
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Invest in digital training platforms to upskill current employees.
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Apply workforce planning tools to forecast staffing needs and reduce last-minute hiring.
FAQs
Why is there a skills shortage in hospitality?
Brexit, COVID-19, and new immigration laws reduced the talent pool, while competition from other industries pulled workers away.
What technology is most useful for hospitality recruitment?
ATS platforms, automation tools, workforce management systems, and online training platforms are especially effective.
Can technology replace recruiters?
No. Technology supports efficiency, but specialist recruiters provide the industry insight, cultural matching and personal expertise that software alone cannot.
How can businesses balance tech with the human touch?
Use technology to remove repetitive tasks and free up time for managers to focus on candidates and staff.
Partner with KSB Recruitment
Technology can help reduce the burden of repetitive tasks, streamline workforce planning and support better hiring decisions. But it is most powerful when combined with the expertise of a recruitment agency that understands hospitality.
KSB Recruitment has been helping hospitality businesses find and retain talent for over 30 years. Whether you need chefs, kitchen porters, catering staff or managers, we can support your hiring needs with both human insight and the best recruitment technology.
📍 Regus Park, Central Boulevard, Blythe Valley Park, Solihull, B90 8AG
📞 0121 828 9840
📧 info@ksbrecruitment.co.uk
🌐 Contact us here
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