Boosting job awareness for Cumbria's struggling hospitality industry

The Love Local Jobs Tourism and Hospitality campaign is being backed by Newsquest/LOCALiQ Cumbria and Stagecoach.

It will mean Newsquest’s print and online recruitment platforms will be accessible free of charge to any business with vacancies in the sector.

And Andy Nicholson, general manager at Storrs Hall, Windermere, is pleased to see the appeal for help getting out there.

“Staff shortages is an issue across the board,” he said.

“A lot of people have left this industry recently, and with the loss of freedom of movement due to Brexit, those who want to come from abroad to earn some money while learning a new language and new skills can’t anymore.

“It’s been so hard throughout not just the hospitality industry, but for so many other industries as well, because you just can’t get staff anymore.”

The popular hotel currently has multiple vacancies available, including sous chef, receptionist, room attendants, and waiting staff.

Mr Nicholson added: “It’s really helpful to get the message that we’re hiring out there.

“It’s a great industry to work in. I have a great team, and we have so many lovely guests that we regularly speak to; you can pick and choose your lifestyle, and there are so many benefits, so definitely get involved if you’re thinking about it, or looking for a great job to do.”

Storrs Hall is just one of the many places currently advertising jobs, with hotels, pubs, restaurants and more across Cumbria searching for fresh faces to join their teams.

Mark Jenkinson, Workington MP, is also a supporter of the campaign, and hopes to see local businesses backed as we continue to come out of lockdown.

He said: “[Lack of staff] is something I regularly discuss with Cumbria Tourism and other operations.

“We have seen post-lockdown last summer, and this year as well, a massive increase in tourism to the area, and a big financial boost for the hospitality industry, which is fantastic.

BACKING: Workington MP Mark Jenkinson hopes to see plenty more support for business owners across the county

“But it’s also really important for local people to take the jobs on offer, and keep businesses going through these difficult and extremely busy times.”

Commenting on the campaign, Lee Taylor-Cradock, sales director of Local iQ Cumbria, said: “The campaign will see us make our in print and online recruitment platforms accessible free of charge for any business which currently has vacancies.

“The free advert will appear across our print products, as well as appearing on our websites, attracting more than 2.5million browsers a month.”

PROUD TO HELP: Newsquest sales director Lee Taylor-Craddock