Hospitality academies needed to save sector according to the owner of Johnny Foxes bar in Inverness – he is calling for Government action for the crisis-hit industry to help it recover as thousands of vital staff have been lost to the industry over the past two years
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The owner of Johnny Foxes pub and restaurant in Inverness has called for government action to help the crisis-hit Highland hospitality industry recover from “a perfect storm”.
Don Lawson, who also owns the adjoining Den nightspot, says thousands of vital staff have been lost to the industry over the past two years.
He is demanding that the government help establish regional “hospitality academies” to woo young people back to this vital part of the lucrative tourism sector.
“What I’ve witnessed over the last two years could be described as the perfect storm,” Mr Lawson said.
“Firstly, we lost thousands of key eastern European workers who returned home as a direct result of the uncertainty that shrouded Brexit.
“Then, along came the Covid pandemic and thousands more left our shores to quite understandably be with their families in their homeland.
“Our concerns weren’t confined to our overseas friends. The industry lost many home-based workers who struggled with the uncertainty surrounding issues like furlough wages, when their jobs might return – or if their jobs would return at all.”
Mr Lawson reckons the entire hospitality sector is now seriously undermanned. He has been unable to reopen The Den due to lack of staff since Covid restrictions eased, and he is not alone.
He added: “I could never have imagined a situation where I couldn’t open my nightclub due to staff shortages, but it’s happening.”
He pointed out that staff on furlough were allowed to take another job, and some when invited back opted to stay in their new position. He fears hundreds of pubs and restaurants will disappear unless swift action is taken.
Before Brexit and Covid he employed around 40 including part-time, and at present he needs around 12 more full-time to be at a comfortable staffing level.
Mr Lawson, who is chairman of 38-member Inverness Pubwatch, is calling for everyone related to hospitality and tourism in the Highlands to work together – and he hopes local, regional and national government agencies will lead the way.
He will be raising the crisis at next Tuesday’s Pubwatch meeting.
“We need to win these people back and restore confidence in our industry,” Mr Lawson said.
“Businesses that are struggling today to recover, need help to recruit and train the staff for tomorrow.
“I’d like to see hospitality academies set up, perhaps jointly funded by the government and the food, beverage, entertainment and accommodation industry.
“The Highlands has a worldwide reputation for its warm welcome to visitors. Now’s the time to act boldly and welcome back the people who made that reputation, as well as attracting bright new talent to our sector.”
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is eager to help.
A spokeswoman said: “The university offers a range of further and higher courses linked to the tourism sector, including hospitality management and professional cookery.
“We have a vital role to play through the Covid-19 pandemic recovery and following Brexit and we are always eager to engage and collaborate with industry partners to address the challenges and opportunities this brings to meet the local needs of our communities.
“Through partnership working with local business our courses help our students to gain employment at many levels within the hospitality sector, providing opportunities for school leavers, those returning to education and those looking for a career change.”
Anna Miller, head of tourism at Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), said: “The difficulties facing tourism businesses due to staffing shortages, at a time when the industry is eager to reopen its doors and welcome visitors, is particularly challenging.
“It’s a complex issue that requires the industry, agencies and government to work together. Actions are already under way and further efforts will be required by everyone involved in tourism to safeguard a thriving workforce and industry for the future.”
