Over 300,000 female workers leave the hospitality industry every year, finds research

3rd November 2010, 9:37am

A new report by People 1st has found that a massive 310,000 female workers are leaving the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industry each year, costing businesses £2.8 billion in replacement recruitment and initial training.

The research report 'Women 1st – the case for change: Women working in hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism, also found five key barriers that appear to be the most significant in preventing women's advancement to senior roles.

These are the difficulty of combining work with caring responsibilities, a dominant macho culture, preconceptions and gender bias, a lack of networking and a lack of visible women in senior positions.   

The percentage of women working in the sector has continually declined over the past six years from 61% in 2004/5 to 56%. This comes at a time when the sector continues to grow and is expected to recruit an additional 290,000 managers up to 2017.  

On average, 25% of the male workforce is employed in management or senior positions, compared to 18% of females.  Women are more likely to fill part-time roles with 54% of females working in the sector on a part-time basis, compared with 46% of men. 

Speaking at the launch of the Women 1st Top 100 Most Influential Women and Shine Awards nominations, Martin-Christian Kent, People 1st's director of policy and research, said:  "Employers in the industry are losing a valuable resource when talented women are unable to achieve their career ambitions.  

"If we are able to develop and retain more women in the industry, it would help ensure that we have the number of skilled managers we need for the future.  

"The report also demonstrates a clear link between women's representation in senior management and business performance indicators such as financial performance and shareholder value.  It makes sound financial sense for sector businesses to develop women for senior positions and consider the appointment of more women on their boards."

Related Articles:

• 22 Jun 2011 - Women must accept long hours and make sacrifices to get to the top in hospitality
• 24 Nov 2010 - TV chef Michael Caines among those added to People 1st council
• 21 Oct 2010 - The search is on for 100 Most Influential Women in hospitality
• 14 Jul 2010 - Useful facts from People 1st

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