Hospitality Recruitment Crisis: 92% of Businesses Struggling to Hire Staff

92% of Hospitality Businesses Are Struggling to Recruit — Here’s How KSB Can Help

According to new data from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), a staggering 92% of hospitality businesses in the hotels and catering sector are struggling to recruit staff. This is the highest rate since records began in 1997 and a sharp increase from 76% just a quarter earlier.

The findings, released as part of the Quarterly Recruitment Outlook (Q3) based on a survey of over 5,600 firms, highlight a growing crisis in hospitality recruitment across the UK.

📉 Hospitality Recruitment Is at Breaking Point

While overall recruitment activity is up—61% of businesses tried to hire in Q3 (up from 52% in Q2)—the challenges in filling roles have intensified.

• 77% of firms reported difficulties filling roles

• 75% of service sector firms, especially in hospitality, struggled

• Skills gaps exist across all levels:

  • 50% reported issues finding skilled technical staff

  • 45% could not fill managerial roles

  • 34% struggled with unskilled or semi-skilled workers

These figures paint a concerning picture for hospitality businesses in Birmingham, Salisbury, and across the UK.

🛑 What’s Causing the Shortage?

The BCC’s Head of People Policy, Jane Gratton, said that while businesses are investing in training, apprenticeships, and flexible working, these are long-term solutions.

“Right now, we need government help to provide a more flexible skills system, rapid retraining, and targeted immigration to plug labour gaps.”

She also warned of rising wage pressures and energy costs, placing businesses at risk of collapse if support is not provided.

Read the original report on The Caterer.

👩‍🍳 KSB Recruitment: Your Specialist Hospitality Recruitment Partner

At KSB Recruitment, we are already helping businesses overcome these challenges with targeted hospitality recruitment solutions. From chefs and kitchen porters to front of house and hotel managers, we understand the skills and experience you need—and we know how to find them.

We specialise in connecting hospitality businesses with:

• Skilled and reliable candidates across all experience levels

• Fast-turnaround staffing for urgent requirements

• Fully vetted professionals with up-to-date compliance and Right to Work checks

• Talent in locations like Birmingham, Salisbury, and throughout the UK

💼 Struggling to Hire? We Can Help.

Whether you need one kitchen porter or an entire chef brigade, KSB Recruitment can help you keep your business moving.

📍 Regus Park, Central Boulevard, Blythe Valley Park, Solihull, B90 8AG
📞 Call us 24/7 on 0121 828 9840
📧 info@ksbrecruitment.co.uk
💼 Contact us here

👀 Looking for a Job in Hospitality?

We also have a range of fantastic opportunities available across the UK.
👉 View our latest hospitality jobs