The British foodservice sector is set to increase by 1.5% in 2016 (The NPD Group) and grow by £10bn to be worth £56.3bn by 2019 (Horizon). There are currently 2.5 million people working in hospitality and an estimated 300,000 more jobs forecast by 2020.
Although the commonly known careers in hospitality are in the kitchen or in food and drink, front of house and service jobs are still being perceived as unskilled, working long hours with low pay.
National Waiters Day campaign
This year on the 21st May, National Waiters Day aims to not only celebrate hard working waiters, food and beverage staff, pub and bar workers and baristas but showcase a career in front of house as one that offers good skills, lead to a rewarding career with good progression routes and rewards.
The National Waiters Day campaign, led by The Springboard Charity, is now in its 25th year and aims to unlock the truth about the great career opportunities available in the hospitality industry and change the negative perceptions mentioned above. Research with Caterer.com found that front of house staff can earn as high as £37,000 per year as they progress throughout their career. Salary ranges:
Waiter: £19,000 – £25,000
Head Waiter: £23,000 – £25,000
Restaurant Manager: £27,000 – £32,000
Restaurant General Manager: £37,000+
Bar Manager: £23,000 – £29,000
Barista: £20,000 – £27,000
Food and Beverage Supervisor: £17,000 – £19,000.
Food and Beverage Manager: £25,000 – £32,000
Pub worker: £25,000 – £32,000
Pub Manager: £30,000 – £32,000+
London Waiters Race
As part of the National Waiters Day campaign, Springboard will be holding a London Waiters Race that will take place on the 21st May 2015, at 4pm in Hyde Park where the professionals of the industry will race 300m in an attempt to be crowned the winner and the face of next year’s campaign.
There will also be a student’s race that will take place at 3.30pm with a chance to win a work experience placement at the Galvin at Windows Restaurant with NWD Front Man Fred Siriex. Key headline sponsor is Bunzl Catering Supplies. Other sponsors include GOJO and ISS.
For all the information about events in your area, or to enter a Waiters Race near you click here
Follow the events Twitter @WaitersDay_UK
Find us on Facebook here
For more information about Springboard click here