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Food

20th Mar 2022

4-day working week recommended for staff in hospitality sector

Katy Brennan

It is believed that both employees and staff can benefit from the recommendations.

The hospitality sector is being urged to offer staff a four-day working week or alternate weekends off.

The recommendations, made following a study conducted by the South East Regional Skills Forum, are aimed at attracting and securing workers in the hospitality industry.

Other recommendations made include ongoing training, upskilling, and clear career pathways.

Staff shortages in the sector have been an issue throughout the country recently.

Manager of the Forum, Edmond Connolly, says all employers can benefit from the recommendations made.

“It was reflective of the situation right around the country, the hospitality sector in recent years prior to the pandemic was very busy growing and expanding,” he said.

“As the respondents to the survey would attest themselves, they didn’t pay enough attention to the welfare of their staff.”

According to RTÉ, as many as nine out of ten hospitality businesses are facing problems recruiting much-needed staff following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Across the sector, the lack of staff is creating a fear that the range of services available to tourists this summer could be reduced.

Many business are relying on young people and college students to keep doors open.