Industry desperate for 200,000 more workers ahead of peak season
An industry is in crisis, with staff shortages likely to lead to long wait times, increased costs and shortened business hours this summer.
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Christmas parties could be at risk this year as Australia’s hospitality sector faces a staffing crisis.
Australian pubs, restaurants, cafes and hotels are in need of 200,000 workers to fill critical staff shortages, which could leave them lacking for the peak hospitality season.
The hospitality sector has experienced significant challenges over the last three years, with the Covid-19 pandemic shrinking the pool of overseas workers and forcing many Australians to leave the industry for more stable work.
News of a whopping 200,000 vacancies was revealed by job search platform Barcats, which specialises in linking staff with job-seeking venues.
“The hospitality industry in Australia is worth $71.3bn, and right now, it is time to call in the reinforcements because if we are any chance of seeing hospitality soar this summer, we need support,” Barcats Australia chief executive Jeffrey Williams said.
“We need 200,000 new workers, which is three times the size of the entire Australian Defence Force.”
Mr Williams said ultimately the customers would suffer if the vacancies weren’t filled.
“Customers face a 25 per cent increase in wait times, reservation unavailability, increased costs, limited menus and opening hours and a decline in service quality,” he said.
Currently there are around 1500 bartender vacancies in Melbourne and Sydney, according to Barcats’ data.
An incredible 3000 wait staff vacancies need filling in Melbourne, while there are 1000 openings for similar roles in western Sydney alone.
Melbourne is also looking for another 2500 kitchen staff and Sydney is short at least 2500 baristas.
“We want this to be a blockbuster summer, and this is an industry that hires across a variety of ages – from university students,to retirees and some of the 180,000 graduating year 12 students across the nation. We need you to sign up and be part of this hospitality army,” Mr Williams said.
Job vacancies in capital cities
BRISBANE
Bartenders – 1500
Wait staff – 500
Kitchen staff – 1000
Management – 400
Barista – 1500
Hotels – 1200
Total: 6100 jobs
MELBOURNE
Bartenders – 1500
Wait staff – 3000
Kitchen staff – 2500
Management – 600
Barista – 2000
Hotels- 1700
Total: 11,300 jobs
SYDNEY
Bartenders – 1500
Wait staff – 1000
Kitchen staff – 2000
Management – 1000
Barista – 2500
Hotels- 2000
Total: 10,000 jobs
PERTH
Kitchen staff – 1000
Total: 1000 jobs
Originally published as Industry desperate for 200,000 more workers ahead of peak season