More staff trained in hospitality than any other industry

The UK hospitality industry trains more of its employees than any other sector, according to new research from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

The LSC’s survey of 79,000 firms across all sectors revealed that two-thirds of the 7,900 hospitality and tourism businesses questioned invested in some form of training, representing an average annual investment of just over £4m.

Hotel and restaurant employers were more likely to report that training had improved staff retention, with 57% of those surveyed reporting that training has had a beneficial effect on staff retention, compared with 44% overall. 

Hospitality employers also reported a 6% increase in staff productivity and product and service quality as a result of the training, achieving 66% compared with 60% overall.

The survey forms part of the LSC’s campaign to raise awareness in its Train to Gain scheme, which offers employers cash to train their staff.

In June, the Government agreed a deal with Sector Skills Council People 1st to simplify access to the scheme, giving hospitality employers in England the chance to get their hands on a share of £112m. 

The Government has committed to investing more than a £1bn a year by 2010 into Train to Gain, but employer take-up has been patchy and it emerged earlier this summer that £115m of funding was unused and had to be transferred to other skills schemes.

Government simplifies hospitality’s access to training scheme >> 

Travelodge welcomes £112m hospitality skills funding boost >> 

Hospitality needs to work harder to attract school leavers and graduates >> 

McDonald's to invest 'heavily' in staff recruitment and training >> 

Don't cut back on training, Alastair Storey warns fellow bosses >> 

By Gemma Sharkey

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