In the run up to Christmas, many top restaurants are facing a dramatic shortage in skilled Chefs. Research by Berkeley Scott - chef recruitment specialist has revealed that 40% of restaurants in London and the South-East are currently facing a shortage in talented Chefs. The reason for this appears to be due to a recruitment freeze a few months ago. Many restaurants believed the recession would see a significant drop in numbers of customers. Fortunately though, this has not been the case. It seems that an increase in restaurant discount vouchers, combined with a constant demand for high quality, low cost dining has kept the London restaurant trade booming. Even more expensive restaurants appear to be buoyant; thanks to the pleasure Londoners gain from eating out. This, together with an increase in Christmas trade has led to an urgent recruitment drive by many London restaurants.
Mark Darby, Managing Director of Berkeley Scott comments; 'we currently have a large amount of well known restaurants as well as independents, urgently seeking creative Sous Chefs and Chefs De Parties. The London candidate market seems almost exhausted. We are having to resort to sourcing candidates from elsewhere in the E.U. in particular France, Belgium and The Netherlands. Thankfully the tightening of belts during this time of economic slow down, does not appear to have affected the restaurant trade'.
Berkeley Scott is the UK's leading provider of recruitment solutions to the Hotel, Hospitality and Catering industry, with specific Chef divisions in every office.
