The UK hospitality industry is one of the country’s most vibrant sectors—employing over 2.5 million people and contributing billions to the economy. Yet, behind the scenes, the struggle to recruit skilled, passionate candidates continues to intensify.
At Eastfield Associates, we’ve spent decades connecting top talent with leading hotels and restaurants across the UK, Europe, and Southeast Asia. But the reality we face today is more challenging than ever.
A Shrinking Talent Pool
Since Brexit, UK employers have found it increasingly difficult to fill roles that were once reliably supported by a steady influx of skilled workers from the European Union. From seasoned head chefs to experienced sommeliers and multi-lingual front-of-house staff, the loss of EU talent has left significant gaps in an industry that thrives on experience, diversity, and professionalism.
Visa requirements, language barriers, and changes to immigration policy have all contributed to making the UK a less accessible option for many skilled EU professionals. As a result, businesses are finding it harder to recruit candidates who not only have the technical expertise, but also the passion and cultural understanding that hospitality demands.
The Cost of Compromise
Faced with staffing shortages, many employers have had to settle for less experienced candidates or take on individuals without the necessary training. While temporary fixes can help keep operations running, they often come at the cost of guest satisfaction, staff morale, and long-term brand reputation.
The hospitality industry is built on delivering memorable experiences. That takes more than just bodies on the floor—it takes people who care deeply about service, presentation, and quality.
Why Skilled EU Workers Still Matter
Skilled EU professionals bring with them:
Diverse experience from world-class restaurants and hotels across Europe
Multilingual abilities that help cater to international guests
A strong work ethic and hospitality culture rooted in tradition and training
Adaptability and resilience that make them invaluable in fast-paced environments
At Eastfield Associates, we continue to champion the value of these professionals. We work closely with employers to identify the right talent, navigate international recruitment processes, and ensure that placements are not only compliant—but successful.
What Can Employers Do?
Re-evaluate recruitment strategies – Expand your search beyond local talent pools and tap into international networks.
Offer visa sponsorship – While it requires additional investment, it opens access to a broader, highly skilled talent base.
Partner with specialist recruiters – Agencies like Eastfield Associates understand the nuances of hospitality hiring and have extensive connections across Europe.
Invest in training and retention – Once you find the right people, make sure they stay. Provide career progression, recognition, and support.
Moving Forward
The UK hospitality industry has always been resilient, but to maintain its world-class reputation, it must embrace international talent once again. The path may be more complex than it once was, but the payoff—skilled, passionate, and dedicated team members—is worth it.
At Eastfield Associates, we’re here to help bridge that gap.
If you’re struggling to find the right talent, get in touch today. Let’s bring excellence back to the heart of hospitality.
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