HOSPITALITY EMPLOYMENT SITE GAINS 50,000 REGISTRATIONS

The unique website, powered by sector skills council People 1st, brings together information on jobs, careers, funding, employers, training and qualifications in the sector. This latest milestone means that the number of users on the site has more than doubled in the past 12 months, giving employers in the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism sector even more opportunities to advertise themselves as an employer of choice to jobseekers. By signing up to the UKSP Good Employer Guide, businesses can post job opportunities on the site, as well as publicly rating themselves against best practice standards chosen by employers themselves. Businesses who have advertised through UKSP have been impressed with the quality of applicants they have received through the site to date. Jez Langhorn, head of talent and education at McDonald's, which recently recruited staff through UKSP, commented: "UKSP is an excellent initiative, bringing together employers and prospective talent within our industries. It is a great, free online resource and enhances the attractiveness of our sector. UKSP enabled us to attract and recruit new talent into our growing sector." UKSP contains a wealth of information on careers in the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism sector. It includes an interactive "career map," showing career paths through the various industries, such as hotels, restaurants, and travel services, enabling site users to get a real feel for what working in the industry entails, and guidance on how to get there through skills and qualifications. Simone Roche, head of UKSP development and delivery, said: "We are delighted that the number of registered users UKSP has surpassed the 50,000 mark. "This number represents people with an active interest in pursuing and developing a career in hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism. It sends a really positive message to employers who are looking to recruit motivated people with a real understanding of their industry."