The UK hospitality sector continues to be a dynamic and welcoming industry, offering a wealth of opportunities for individuals at every stage of their hospitality career. With over 3.5 million people employed in catering, events, hotels, and food service, it remains the third-largest employment sector in the country.

According to the Office for National Statistics, vacancies continue to outnumber unemployment in early 2025, with around 170,000 hospitality roles unfilled. That means now is a great time to kickstart your hospitality career — whether you’re looking for your first job or seeking a fresh start.

How to Start Strong

• Use Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs): Government-backed training schemes like SWAPs offer free hospitality training with guaranteed interviews. Over 100,000 places are available this year, helping candidates build the skills needed to enter the workforce with confidence.
  
• Partner Support: Springboard Collaboration: Berkeley Scott proudly partners with Springboard UK, an organisation dedicated to helping unemployed individuals gain the skills, confidence and qualifications they need to succeed in hospitality.
  
  Springboard’s award-winning employability programmes are designed to overcome barriers to employment, offering practical experience, personal mentoring, and accredited training. Springboard provide jobseekers with a structured pathway into long-term, fulfilling hospitality careers.
  
• Dedicated Support for Unemployed Jobseekers: We offer tailored support including CV clinics, interview coaching, and direct links to live vacancies with some of the UK’s top employers. Our consultants take time to understand your background and match you with roles that suit your experience and aspirations.
  
• Update Your CV: Focus on transferable skills like teamwork, timekeeping, and problem-solving. Customer service skills gained in any role are gold dust in hospitality, so be sure to highlight them.
  
• Apply Smart: Applications spike on Mondays, so try applying early in the week. Persistence pays off — consistency is key.

“There’s real momentum in the market,” says Paul Mallan, Managing Director at Berkeley Scott. “Hospitality employers are crying out for talent, and there are real chances for people to start or restart meaningful careers. Our team is here to match enthusiastic candidates with supportive employers — and thanks to partnerships like the one with Springboard, we’re helping more people enter the industry every day.”

Why Now?
The industry is bouncing back from the challenges of recent years. With increased demand for trained workers and a government focus on revitalising coastal and urban areas through hospitality investment, your enthusiasm and willingness to learn will be met with opportunity.

Let Berkeley Scott Help You Get Started
At Berkeley Scott, we work with hundreds of leading employers across the UK to place candidates into roles that match their aspirations and lifestyle and hospitality career needs. Whether it’s a flexible front-of-house role or a permanent kitchen position, we’ll help you find a great fit.

If you’re currently unemployed, our consultants are especially keen to support your journey back into work. Through our partnership with Springboard and our direct employer relationships, we can offer real pathways — not just promises. You’ll gain access to training, development, and supportive networks that will give you every chance to thrive.

Sign up with us today — let’s build your future together.