Workers in the hospitality industry have reported receiving above-average salary increases last year as the sector struggles with a skills shortage.
Hospitality employees received an average pay rise of 9.5 per cent, according to a survey by Caterer.com, a hiring website, compared with the national average of 6.6 per cent.
Those working for pubs received the highest pay rises at 11.3 per cent, the company found, while on a regional basis employees in Greater London and the northwest of England reported the highest pay increases.
The hospitality sector figures come from a survey of employers and employees on behalf of Caterer.com, while the national average comes from the Office for National Statistics.
The findings come despite the hospitality industry being among the sectors most affected by the cost of living crisis, as it contends with record high energy bills and food inflation.
Kathy Dyball, brand director of Caterer.com, said: “As the long-standing skills shortage continues to affect the sector, hospitality employers are focused on offering competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain the people they need.
“Our insights show that hospitality employees are now receiving pay rises well above the UK average worker, among other competitive benefits.”
The company said its research showed that despite the national skills shortage, the number of people seeking jobs in the sector had risen.
