APPG for Hospitality and Tourism launch inquiry into skills in hospitality

The APPG for Hospitality and Tourism has launched an inquiry looking at how Government can empower hospitality and tourism to help deliver its skills agenda.

Chris Webb MP, Chair of the Hospitality and Tourism APPG, said:

I’m pleased to launch this skills inquiry today and the APPG looks forward to hearing from hospitality businesses and employees, to enable the group to understand how to turbocharge skills delivery and make appropriate recommendations to government.

This is a broad inquiry and I hope to hear from as many people involved in hospitality and tourism as possible.

The APPG is seeking responses to the following questions:

1. Accessibility
   New employees in hospitality roles can feel overwhelmed by the commitment of a level 2 apprenticeship. Does the industry recognise this trend? If so, what is causing this trend?
2. Recruitment
   What barriers are businesses facing when it comes to recruitment? Are businesses increasingly taking on people who need additional support to join the workforce?
3. English and maths attainment
   Government data published in November 2024 stated that 35% of pupils failed to achieve the English and maths grades they needed to access a level 2 apprenticeship without additional learning. Does this represent an unnecessary additional barrier to entry?
4. Building a sustainable talent pipeline
   Historically, hospitality was more able to fill vacancies with workers from overseas, but is now more committed to recruiting a domestic workforce. To deliver this commitment, changes to the entry points must reflect the needs of this domestic workforce. What skills would a new employee need to settle into employment with options for progression?
5. Retention
   The majority of hospitality employees live and work in their immediate community, often as their first part time job or as a returner to work following caring and other responsibilities. Would a supported start to employment in the industry increase 90-day retention?
6. Skills reform
   What are your views on the Apprenticeship Levy and how would you like to see this reformed? What are the key skills that you think the industry should prioritise?