Catering salaries are rising, says research
According to the latest data from the UK's independent job site CV-Library.
Research suggests that business confidence in the catering industry is remaining strong, with salaries soaring by 18.5% in October 2016*, when comparing data with October 2015. This figure significantly outpaced the national average for salary growth, which saw a small increase of just 0.4% during the same period.
But, while the hike in salaries is positive news for job hunters across the industry, it could well be in reaction to a fall in candidate appetite, as applications were down by 4.1% compared to the previous year, following the pattern of the wider UK region, which saw a 3% drop.
Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, said: “It's clear that skill shortages are pushing up salaries across the catering industry, which is good news for candidates looking for new opportunities. But, while many catering organisations are working hard to maintain the resilient job market that has withstood uncertainty in recent times, the fact that application figures are down across the sector suggests that candidate appetite is taking a major dip. Investments in wages are a good way to attract workers into a company, but clearly should not be the only means used to recruit the very best talent.”
That said, it is positive to note that job vacancies in the catering industry were also up during this period: rising by a staggering 30%. This suggests that organisations across the sector are remaining confident and are continuing to invest in their workforce, despite job hunter appetite taking a hit.
Biggins said: “It's positive to see that the sector witnessed strong job growth last month, outperforming the national average by a stretch. Tthis trend is likely to continue in the run up to Christmas as catering organisations recruit for more staff over the holiday period. Business confidence is at a tricky time right now: we're nearing the end of a turbulent year, and there is still a great amount of ambiguity around the status of the labour market. But, with the Chancellor's first Autumn Statement to be made in a few weeks' time, it is hoped that this will be a chance to boost business, and consumer confidence, as we continue to navigate through EU negotiations.”
