Could employers be more provocative in solving the skills and recruitment crisis in the UK?

It depends on the organisation. I think hotels are fairly good at developing skills. But I think there is a skills shortage in the industry and a good deal of that is because the wages are lower than in some other industries. Offering any kind of training is always a positive thing and can be very motivational.
Keith Edwards, Human Resources Manager at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London

Being proactive on attraction and retention is the key. Investing in really understanding what drives employees and designing bespoke roles and packages helps build engagement.
Aly Shariff, Director of reward and employment policy, Whitbread PLC

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Yes, definitely. Hospitality businesses have been using colleges and universities as an excuse for years, when really it's also their responsibility to train the people they will make money from. Only a few restaurant groups like Carluccio's and Nando's now offer comprehensive training programmes - the rest rely on other people's investment.
Steve Johnson, Senior Recruitment Consultant, Lister Charles