SOME OF London’s top hotels have combined forces to pledge over 1,000 new job opportunities for young people by 2015. The roles will be a mix of work experience, apprenticeships and full-time jobs for 16-24 year olds.
The pledges are part of the British Hospitality Association’s (BHA) Jobs Campaign, The Big Hospitality Conversation. It is the BHA’s biggest ever jobs drive.
Chief executive Ufi Ibrahim said the campaign is “galvanising” the industry, while Patrick Dempsey, Whitbread Hotels & Restaurants MD and chair of the campaign said that having some of London’s biggest hospitality names pledging over 1,000 job opportunities for young people sends out a strong message.
“The industry has many job vacancies and huge career opportunities,” he said. “Hopefully more young people will realise this and look to this industry to achieve their dreams and their potential.”
Luxury hotels group Red Carnation Hotels, which has hotels in Belgravia, Mayfair, Knightsbridge and Kensington, has joined the campaign with one of the biggest commitments, promising 100 new jobs for young people in the next two years. General manager Jonathan Raggett said the hospitality sector is often overlooked by young people, but the campaign can help spotlight the serious careers available.
The Goring Hotel, Hilton, Four Seasons Hotel, The Ritz, The Savoy, Park Plaza, Marriott, Royal Garden Hotel, Shangri-La and Premier Inn, are all also involved.
