WA hospitality sends message in a bottle to more than 13,000 workers

The Western Australian hospitality industry has sent an SOS to 13,270 workers, while asking attending the state’s venues to have patience through the festive season shortage.

The industry is crying out for a range of professionals to meet the shortfall with waiters, bar staff, chefs and cooks, the most sought after.

Accommodation and hospitality managers are also in short supply.

“It is fantastic that WA’s hospitality industry is set to enjoy a busy holiday period, but we know that ongoing labour shortages are putting pressure on staff working in hotels, bars, pubs, restaurants and taverns,” Australian Hotels Association WA boss Bradley Woods said.

“We encourage patrons to be understanding over the Christmas and New Year period, as they may encounter slightly longer wait times while hospitality staff do their best to accommodate everyone.”

68 per cent of positions currently available are in Perth, while 32 per cent are in regional WA.

The Federal government has been asked to do more to bring backpackers back to WA and into the vacant positions, while AHA in conjunction with Tourism WA has launched a social media aimed at year 12 graduates and university students.

Students can go to Westernaustralia.jobs and apply if interested.

While there is a shortage of staff across WA’s hospitality industry, it has welcomed a restriction free festive season.

“For the first time in three years, WA is set to enjoy a restriction-free Christmas and New Year, which is something worth raising a glass to,” Wood said.

Jonathan Jackson - 12-12-22