Get more young people working behind bars and solve hospitality recruitment crisis, says brewery boss
The boss of one the UK’s oldest breweries is encouraging students and school leavers to take up roles in pubs or bars as the UK cries out for more workers in the hospitality sector.
Richard Kershaw, CEO of Joseph Holt, believes young job seekers could help resolve the recruitment crisis if they took up jobs serving behind the bar or waitering regardless of their academic qualifications.
“Working in, say, a pub after graduating or leaving school is a way of accruing some really valuable skills such as learning how to be part of a team, communication and taking responsibility, ” explained Richard, who is a fifth generation member of the Holt brewing family.
“It can also build confidence since you meet people from all walks of life. And since no two days are ever the same, it`s a great place to learn about how to work in an ever-changing environment.”
As an additional benefit, he adds, encouraging school leavers and graduates to take on bar work could also help solve the short term recruitment crisis in the hospitality industry with many bars, pubs and restaurants across the UK reporting chronic staff shortages as a consequence of lockdown
Jane Kershaw, HR executive at Joseph Holt and along with her brother, Andrew, who is the sixth-generation member of the brewing family to work in the 172 year-old company, say the business offers opportunities to any member of staff who wants to progress through the company.
Jane, who is one of only a few women to be crowned brewer of the year, said: “With hard work you can make the job your own and make it go any way you want. You can start with bar work, but we have a great internal training programme. And for those who live in the pubs they run, it`s such a marvellous way to fit work around their lives – especially for women, as you are your own boss,”
She added: “At Holts we like to give people chances. If you show willingness we will shower you with training and support.”
The brewery runs two `progression` courses to help employees work their way through the ranks of the company
One is for progression from bar staff to progress through to manager and a second offers people the opportunity to run their own pub.
Said Richard: “Thanks to our long-term planning and the loyalty our staff show to our family business we`ve been lucky in that we have managed quite well.
“But it’s in all our interests to solve the recruitment problems across hospitality. If pubs and restaurants are forced to close it will have a knock-on effect on the entire industry and the communities, they support.”
He added: “It`s why we need to encourage young people or perhaps those returning to work after a break not to look down on bar work.
“Of course, it will continue to suit those who just want a few hours work. But with the hospitality industry facing an unprecedented recruitment crisis, now more than ever we need to remind people looking for work that it doesn`t have to be just a job. It can be a wonderful career.”
