People 1st launches the Good Employer campaign

Sector Skills Council People 1st has launched a new campaign designed to showcase the best companies across the hospitality and tourism industry.

The Good Employer Campaign, based on standards laid out by employers, is backed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the British Hospitality Association (BHA).

It already has 50 companies signed up including Compass Group, McDonalds, Loch Fyne, Radisson, Malmaison, Hotel du Vin, Maybourne and Paramount Hotels. 

Employers signing up to the campaign will be able to rate themselves against 11 best practice standards including vision and values; the working environment; management; and motivation and building teams. 

These ratings will then highlight areas employers need to improve upon, and employees in turn will also have the opportunity rate their employer against the same standards.

Speaking at the launch in London on Wednesday, tourism minister Margaret Hodge said: "The skills of people working in the tourism industry are critical to the visitor experience. I want all the employers in the sector to commit to the training and development of staff. The Good Employer Campaign is a real step forward.”

Bob Cotton, chief executive of the BHA, added: "Hospitality and tourism are crucial to the UK economy and it is critical that, as a sector, we provide better working conditions and development opportunities to tackle the retention crisis that has plagued us for many years. 

“I believe that the Good Employer Campaign will be extremely beneficial for the sector, and signing up is something that I would recommend to all members of the BHA.”

Go to www.ukskillspassport.co.uk for more details.

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By Daniel Thomas

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