Eight out of 10 employees would recommend working in the hospitality industry to their friends and family, according to an online survey conducted by caterer-online.com for HIT Scotland.

Those who recommended the industry pointed to social interaction (71%) as the main reason, with excitement (65%), job satisfaction (64%) and career prospects (56%) also major draws.

Hotel employees were most likely to recommend a job in the industry, followed by those who worked in the pub and bar, restaurant, and contract catering sectors.

A spokeswoman for recruiter Chess Partnership, which is a partner for the Hit Emerging Talent conference on 10 February, said: "Lots of young people joining the industry are enthusiastic and excited, but some companies fall short of expectations because of poor inductions or a lack of development opportunities.

The top reasons not to recommend the industry to others included low pay (86%), and long hours (82%).

- HIT Scotland's Emerging Talent conference takes place on 10 February at the Aviemore Highland resort. Go to www.hitemergingtalent.co.uk.


Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 27 January 2005