London’s hospitality workforce: cultural diversity a choice or necessity?

Abstract

The paper explores employers attitudes to British and migrant workers in hospitality. The number of hospitality operations in London, establish the capital as an interesting case study in exploring employer’s perceptions. A number of hospitality managers, academics and recruitment managers were interviewed and the findings suggest that they perceive that hospitality as not favoured as a primary career option amongst traditional British populations. An overwhelming number of immigrants are employed in London’s hospitality organisations both at entry level and managerial positions. The findings suggest that employers perceive a cultural barrier in the way employment in hospitality is viewed by British nationals. Employers and academics will need to double their efforts to ensure that the industry is not so poorly perceived by future generations of workers.