Rising hourly rates of pay for hospitality workers means the Living Wage could cost the industry far less than originally predicted, according research from Fourth Analytics.
Hotels could be forced to raise prices and cut staff jobs when the National Living Wage becomes compulsory next year, the boss of Best Western Great Britain has warned.
A majority of Britain’s employers are risking legal action by failing to prepare for the introduction of the National Living Wage next year, the Government has warned.
The Chancellor announced last week that from April 2016 all UK businesses would have to pay staff over 25 a National Living Wage of £7.20 per hour, rising to £9 per hour by 2020.
Chancellor George Osborne has been criticised by the hospitality industry for failing to consult with the sector over the introduction of a compulsory Living Wage.
Introducing a compulsory Living Wage will have a 'considerable impact' on the hospitality industry, trade bodies have warned with employers facing higher wage bills and greater administration.
Hospitality jobs are some of the lowest paid in the UK, with the majority of bar staff, waiting staff and kitchen assistants currently earning less than the Living Wage, according to new research from KPMG.