Scottish hospitality bosses call on ‘silver servers’ to help plug the staffing gap

The group, which comprises many of Scotland's largest and best-known restaurant and bar businesses, is calling on anyone over 50, with or without experience, to join the trade and 'enjoy the benefits of flexible, part-time work' to plug the huge staffing gap that is currently crippling businesses.

It warns that, with furlough ending this month, thousands of over 50s could be left out of work.

“The industry is on its knees, and we are looking for solutions at every turn, I hope this could be it," says Stephen Montgomery, SHG spokesperson.

"Hospitality has taken a bashing, but that’s been caused by the fractured state it’s been left in after the pandemic. With enough people back in our venues, it’s a valuable, flexible and enjoyable career for anyone willing to get stuck in."

SHG has revealed its members are currently seeking to fill 500 vacancies as younger staff leave due to the strain of ongoing understaffing issues.

As the recruitment calamity reaches fever-pitch, bosses also disclosed that they are having to self-impose lockdowns at their top venues, opening fewer days during the week and reducing opening hours to prevent staff burnout.

“We need help to save the industry," continues Montgomery.

"Our members are currently looking for 500 staff, but we know of around another 500 roles that could be created as part of planned upgrades or new venues in the pipeline – totalling some £30m of investment.

"However, this all hangs in the balance because of the current jobs market. If we can entice a generation of ‘silver servers’ in, they could save us.”