The Institute of Hospitality saw similarities between the care and hospitality sectors, in terms of the difficulties they face and the need to address them. It believes the Government needs to support both the care and the hospitality industries if both are to flourish.
The Institute’s 2023 round table discussion concluded there was a need for professional development training to help recruit and retain talent, a campaign to highlight the advantages of working in the sector and a desperate need to encourage young people to join and see the industry as a professional career.
The UK Care sector is worth £50.3 billion a year, employs 1.8 million people and has around 165,000 vacancies as well as a staff turnover of 29%. Plus, an ageing UK population of 11 million people over 65, which is expected to increase to 13 million people in ten years.
Robert Richardson FIH MI commented: “I am delighted that the UK Government is going to provide much-needed support to the care home sector and those critical individuals who work within it.
“It is reassuring that the Minister of State for the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), Helen Whately MP, has tackled some of the outcomes identified in the Institute of Hospitality’s care home white paper produced in 2023. Similarly, I hope that more UK Government support for the hospitality industry will also be forthcoming in the weeks and months ahead.”
The Minister of State for the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) stated:
- For the first time there will be a national care career structure, with defined roles and professional development
- Over £50 million of funding for a new, accredited qualification will be introduced to help recognise the work being done by 37,000 workers
- Funding for hundreds of apprenticeships and digital training to embrace the latest technology will also be included