Hospitality industry second to feel shortage of workers

A chronic shortage of workers in the hotel business has forced the sector to launch a specialised recruitment website.

The hospitality industry joins fruitgrowers who today said they also faced a chronic shortage of workers.

New Zealand Hotel Council (NZHC) chief executive Mark Oldershaw said the website was the only job site in New Zealand dedicated exclusively to the hotel sector.

"The aim is to ultimately create a one stop shop for prospective employees in the hotel industry.

"We have been struggling for some time to attract and retain a regular stream of employees that see hospitality as a long-term career option."

Hotelcareers.co.nz was launched this week and already had close to 100 vacancies listed, Mr Oldershaw said.

"These positions range widely in terms of experience and qualifications required.

"It is interesting to see that chefs for example are in constant demand from some of our top hotels throughout the country," Mr Oldershaw said.

" We need to be seen to be taking ownership of our own issues. This is one of many initiatives that NZHC will be launching this year to addresses the labour shortage issues in the hotel sector," he added.

- NZPA