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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.

Business groups calling for support

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.

Barcats Australia founder Jeffrey Williams says the hospitality industry is desperate for bar and wait staff coming into summer. Picture: Richard Dobson
Barcats Australia founder Jeffrey Williams says the hospitality industry is desperate for bar and wait staff coming into summer. Picture: Richard Dobson

“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.”

Customers can expect longer wait times, limited menus and a decline in quality service if the vacancies aren’t filled. Picture: Supplied
Customers can expect longer wait times, limited menus and a decline in quality service if the vacancies aren’t filled. Picture: Supplied

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.

There are 3000 wait staff needed in Melbourne alone. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz
There are 3000 wait staff needed in Melbourne alone. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

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

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/restaurants-bars/industry-desperate-for-200000-more-workers-ahead-of-peak-season/news-story/d494914ad92791ed238dfe3fc5c1a2eb