London hotels make job creation pledge following Big Hospitality Conversation

The Goring Hotel, Hilton, The Ritz, The Savoy, Park Plaza and Premier Inn are among the businesses that have made the commitment by offering a mix of work experience, apprenticeships and full-time job roles for 16-24-year-olds.

This news stems from the first in a series of seven ‘Big Hospitality Conversations’,​​which took place at the Grosvenor House hotel last month. The events provide an opportunity for young people to talk with key industry faces about a potential career in hospitality.

The BHA’s chief executive Ufi Ibrahim said: "The BHA is galvanising the industry to invest in our best resource - our young people and from the response we have received so far this is happening.

Strong message​

“London has set a terrific start with over 1,000 job opportunities pledged and the campaign is now going all over the UK."

Patrick Dempsey, managing director of Whitbread Hotels & Restaurants, is the instigator and chairman of the BHA’s jobs campaign.​​He added: "Having some of London's biggest hospitality names pledging over 1,000 job opportunities for young people is a sending out a strong message that industry leaders are hearing the needs of young people and answering.

“The industry has many job vacancies and huge career opportunities. Hopefully more young people will realise this and look to this industry to achieve their dreams and their potential."

Luxury hotel group Red Carnation Hotels, which operates 14 properties and currently has 848 employees, has made one of the biggest commitments, by offering 100 new jobs for young people between now and 2015.   

Leading by example​

The group’s general manager Jonathan Raggett said: “For young people, working in the hospitality industry is often overlooked, yet it offers a rewarding, challenging and serious career choice.

“We wholeheartedly support this industry-wide initiative to get more of our young people into work and encourage other hospitality companies to get involved.”

Red Carnation Hotels was also recently unveiled as the biggest mover on the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For,​​jumping 47 places from 71 in 2012 to 26 this year.

Other London hotels to have made this latest job creation pledge include Four Seasons Hotel, Marriott, Royal Garden Hotel and Shangri-La.

Big Hospitality Conversation Scotland​

Meanwhile, the second Big Hospitality Conversation took place in Scotland last Thursday (28 February), in the Prestonfield House Hotel in Edinburgh.

Companies such as Apex Hotels, Premier Inn, Prestonfield House Hotel and Crerar Hotels pledged at the event to create job opportunities, work experience and apprenticeships for 18-24 year olds.

“We were absolutely delighted with the number of people who attended the event in Scotland,” added Ibrahim. “The number of pledges we received is a clear indication that there is a desire from the industry to employ more young people and help give them the training and support they need in order to excel in their chosen career.

The total number of pledges made at the seven Big Hospitality Conversation events will be revealed on 11 June at the BHA’s Annual Tourism and Hospitality Summit at the InterContinental Hotel in Park Lane.