Rick Stein Restaurants to offer new flexible working contracts to combat summer staff shortages
The restaurant group is welcoming applicants of all ages and levels of experience to join its team for as little as one shift a week, effective across all its restaurants in Cornwall, London, Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire.
The group hopes the move will attract talented people from all backgrounds and combat the challenge of industry-wide staff shortages following the combined knock-on effects of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a growing desire for flexible careers that enable a positive work-life balance.
The roles target people looking for flexible work, including career-changers, students looking to pick up weekend shifts over the summer and former hospitality professionals keen to hone their skills a few days a week, says the company.
“We know that hospitality is a hugely rewarding career, and we welcome people from all walks of life to experience that, without personal circumstances getting in the way,” says co-founder and company director Jill Stein, whose sister Roni Arnold joined The Seafood Restaurant team 34 years ago and still works two shifts a week as a sommelier.
“I am so proud that we’re broadening our horizons, moving with the times and offering people the chance to join our team on a basis that works for them. Welfare is so important to us, and we understand that for some people a day or two a week is all that’s needed, so we’re ready to offer that with some amazing roles across the restaurants and shops.”
Part-time and flexible members of the team will receive the same benefits as those working more hours, including service charge, paid holiday and a 50% discount in the restaurants.
Earlier this year the group launched a Chef Apprenticeship scheme with anyone over the age of 16 encouraged to start the work-based scheme before September 2022. Apprentices learn on the job with those completing the course receiving a Level 2 in Professional Cookery qualification.
Last year it also encouraged unemployed hospitality workers to move to Cornwall to fill vacancies within the group.
