Why Hospitality Workers Are Leaving the Industry

Key Takeaways

• Many hospitality workers are leaving due to low pay, long hours and lack of progression.

• The pandemic exposed the fragility of jobs in bars, restaurants and events.

• Staff shortages in Edinburgh and across the UK are leaving businesses struggling.

• Poor conditions contribute to high stress, burnout and mental health issues.

• Recruitment agencies can help businesses find staff and connect workers to better roles.

Why Workers Are Leaving Hospitality

Hospitality has always been demanding, but the pandemic pushed many staff to breaking point. Workers faced sudden job losses, uncertainty, zero-hour contracts, long shifts, and minimum wage pay. For some, like former Edinburgh hospitality worker Ellis Ridley, this was the final straw.

After ten years working in bars, events and security, Ridley left hospitality for a civil service role. He explained that uncertainty, poor pay and a lack of career progression made the industry unsustainable.

The Pandemic Effect

During lockdowns, thousands of staff were laid off with little or no notice. When venues reopened, workers faced new pressures: rule changes, fewer staff on shifts, and hostile customers resistant to safety measures.

Many felt that wages did not reflect the level of stress, responsibility and risk. As Ridley put it, “One cocktail costs £9, yet staff are paid the same amount for an hour of work.”

Ongoing Staff Shortages

Bars and restaurants across Edinburgh, and the wider UK, are now struggling to keep up with demand. Roles such as chefs, bartenders, and waiting staff remain difficult to fill, with many experienced workers having left the industry for good.

This shortage is forcing businesses to reduce opening hours, limit covers, or increase pay just to attract staff.

The Industry’s Deeper Issues

Hospitality consistently ranks low for pay but high for stress, burnout and mental health problems. Long hours, late nights, and abusive customers add to the strain. Without meaningful change in working conditions, many fear the industry will continue to lose talent.

How to Improve Hospitality Retention

Employers who want to retain and attract staff need to:

1. Offer competitive wages and benefits.

2. Provide clear career development opportunities.

3. Improve working conditions with fair breaks and manageable hours.

4. Create supportive, respectful work environments.

5. Use specialist recruitment agencies to access motivated, pre-screened candidates.

FAQs

Why are hospitality workers leaving?
Low pay, poor conditions, uncertainty and lack of progression are driving people away.

What roles are hardest to fill?
Chefs, bartenders, waiting staff and kitchen porters are among the most in-demand.

Is hospitality still a good career?
Yes, for those supported with fair pay, training and progression, hospitality can offer long-term careers.

How can employers attract staff back?
By improving pay and working conditions, and by partnering with recruitment agencies to find committed workers.

Work with KSB Recruitment

The Edinburgh story highlights a national issue: hospitality needs to change to retain its workforce. At KSB Recruitment, we help businesses find the right people and connect candidates with roles where they feel valued.

📍 Regus Park, Central Boulevard, Blythe Valley Park, Solihull, B90 8AG
📞 0121 828 9840
📧 info@ksbrecruitment.co.uk
🌐 Contact us here

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