17/05/2011 - Some of The Ups & Downs of the Catering & Hospitality Industry May 2011

Up to 7,000 jobs lost in the pub sector in 2010   

The Vintners Federation of Ireland have revealed that up to 7,000 jobs were cut in Irish Pubs in 2010 in an effort to cut costs and stay in business. The industry bodies' annual conference takes place today in Cavan with motions to be debated including later opening times at the weekends and the choice of opening on Good Friday. Industry insiders estimate pub closures now at one a day and a VFI survey revealed that 70% of its members are now putting more efforts than ever before into marketing and events in an effort to attract more trade.

Source: Hospitality Enews

RAI propsoes new jobs initiative

The Restauarnt Association of Ireland has proposed a new Restaurants Apprenticeship Scheme which could create an additional 1,000 jobs for the sector, according to the industry body representing restaurants nationwide. This would involve a scheme in association with Failte Ireland, FAS and Department of Social Protection that gives employers the financial incentive to take on apprentices and helps participants protect their social welfare jobseeking entitlements much like the current Work Placement Programme deployed by FAS but with specific details more suitable to the restaurant industry than the current policy.

Source: Hospitality Enews

This quarter is again showing the uncertainty of the Irish Catering and Hospitality market but overall the industry is working hard to keep business going!

Check Out The Following Events:

Irish Hospitality Institute National Senior Managers Conference & AGM  Thursday 19th May, Gibson Hotel, Dublin

Catering Management Association of Ireland International Healthcare Catering Conference, Thursday 23rd June, Davenport Hotel, Dublin

Irish Hotels Federation Benevolent Fund Golf Classic, Monday 27th June, Rathsallagh Golf Club, Wicklow

Irish Hospitality Institute Annual Summer BBQ, Thursday 21st July, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Dublin