Calls for the hospitality industry to make itself more attractive as restaurants struggle to find staff

A recent report found restaurants are struggling to find staff

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Restaurants across the country are struggling to find staff as the tourism industry bounces back from Covid.

A recent Fáilte Ireland report presented to the industry revealed that worker shortage was among the top five concerns in the sector.

According to a report in the Irish Independent, restaurants are struggling with what they have described as the biggest staffing nightmare in the tourism industry.

Rising costs are also among the big issues for business owners, followed by the fear that many Irish holidaymakers are heading abroad this summer.

Other challenges include a lack of beds due to the refugee crisis, and the high cost of car hire.

An intimidating environment in Dublin featuring aggressive begging, public drinking and drug dealing is also raised in the report.

The Restaurants Association of Ireland is calling for an increase in the hours students who need visas are allowed to work during term time in a effort to tackle the staffing issues.

Former General Manager of Harvey's Point in Donegal, Noel Cunningham says the hospitality sector must ensure potential staff are given proper terms and conditions:

"In our hotels, restaurants and bars, we have to strive to make the job more attractive, to attract young people who first of all, see terms and conditions that they find acceptable and also opportunity."