To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline what measures he can take to address staff shortages in hospitality businesses along the North Coast.

Question 8 - AQO 647/22-27

I met with Hospitality Ulster earlier this month to help launch its guide to recruiting the over 50s, developed in partnership with Tourism NI. We discussed issues around staff recruitment and retention and how my Department can support the hospitality sector to have the right people with the right skills.

Tourism NI delivers numerous interventions to support businesses recruit and retain good people. The most visible, the ‘Make It Here’ campaign, highlights the many positives of this sector.

I am delighted to see many businesses sign up to the Wellbeing Promise, a commitment for hospitality employers to create a positive working environment.

Furthermore, I have directed Tourism NI to develop an Employers Excellence Programme, supporting tourism & hospitality businesses create excellent workplaces offering good jobs.

My Department is also progressing the creation of bespoke Tourism & Hospitality Academies.

Last year, the Skill Up programme delivered “Get into Hospitality”, enabling participants to gain practical experience and an accreditation.