UK workers to help out struggling NT hospo businesses

An influx of UK workers are set to descend on the Northern territory as the NT government looks at ways to support short staffed businesses.

The government has partnered with Hospitality NT and will offer up to $200,000 to hospitality businesses as part of the Government’s Flexible Workforce Solutions Fund.

Licensed venues travelling to the UK in February to deliver projects and strategies aimed at attracting and retaining skilled bartenders, chefs and wait staff, will be the beneficiaries.

The NT has a whopping 68% of businesses that are looking to increase their workforce next year.

“We predict 1000 full-time workers, 4000 casuals and 90 apprentices are needed ahead of next season,” NT CEO Alex Bruce said.

“We had a strong dry season this year, next year is going to be strong as well.

“(The industry can) go and directly target good UK workers who we hope will help complement, mentor and upskill our local workforce.

The NT had a similar scheme running for 10 years with Irish workers.

“We need to do that again,” Bruce said.

The government is well aware of staffing issues in hospitality.

NT Skills and Training Minister Paul Kirby said, “The hospitality sector is one of the Territory’s most important, keeping locals and visitors fed and entertained and employing staff members all year round.

“We need more workers to pour our beers, serve up our schnitties and make sure our bars and pubs are pumping again this Dry Season.”

If applying for the grant, Territory businesses are required to show their project contributes to regional industry workforce solutions, as well as seasonal workforce strategies. The plan must also include new technology or innovation.

Jonathan Jackson - 9-11-22