The Cubitt House group, which owns pubs like Thomas Cubbitt in Belgravia and Orange in Pimlico, brought in a pastor from a local church to deliver empathy lessons to employees so the company can be a happy place to work. Meanwhile, the Blacklock restaurant chain is giving employees a “hydration permit” if they get a new puppy, as well as flights around the world for those with long service. The hospitality industry is embroiled in an arms race amid severe staff shortages as they prepare for their first summer since reopening after Covid. Other companies offer birthday prosecco, gym discounts and a high standard package, while Michelin-starred Galvin Restaurants chain prepares to put poaching staff on paid gardening leave so they can not come to the facility and get carried away. colleagues with them. Seb Fogg, CEO of Cubitt House Group, said: “There is a big myth out there about staff shortages. There are thousands of people out there who want to work but may not have experience in our industry. “All we have to do as pilots is take them, take care of them and train them well. If they are happy and willing to work, then that’s all we need. “We have … brought to the company a pastor based in Belgrade from one of the local churches, who will work to create empathy throughout our staff base.” Gordon Ker, founder of the Blacklock chophouse chain, said the company offers free foot massages in addition to licensing for dog staff, as well as anniversary gifts for those staying for a number of years, including a round-the-world airplane. ticket or a fully paid four-week weekend. Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality, said the industry has 250,000 to 300,000 laid-off workers since the end of the Covid crisis. David Moore, owner of the Michelin-starred Pied à Terre restaurant in London, said his company was going to resume annual bonuses on any staff member who has been with the company for more than a year. Many workers left for other industries during the lockdown and never returned, and those who did now demand better pay and better conditions. A restaurant boss said staff earning .000 26,000 before Covid returned asking for 38 38,000 and saying he would not be working on weekends or Friday nights.
