The UK government needs to do more to market the UK hospitality sector as a career choice for candidates, according to Beverley Stewart, HR director at hotelier Radisson Edwards.

Earlier this week, the CIPS-Markit index for the services sector recorded a 17th consecutive month of job shedding adding to an ever growing talent pool.

“Due to the economic crisis in the autumn of last year, there is a high volume of candidates seeking employment but candidate quality and experience is very poor,” Stewart says.

Stewart told Recruiter that Radisson Edwards’ company policy is not to use agencies due to the downturn in business and has appointed a group recruitment manager from the hospitality industry who previously ran a recruitment business.

Stewart adds: “The recruitment process has been stretched due to the volume and calibre of candidates on the market.  Candidates will apply for numerous positions and will pick the one that suits their personal circumstances, ie rostered hours, no weekend work and suitable salary.”