Report indicates leisure industry skills shortage

A study by Michael Page Hospitality and Leisure has indicated that a skill shortage in the leisure and hospitality sectors of the Australian economy may lead to higher salaries.

According to the Salary and Employment Forecast: Australia 2013/14 report, released by leading professional recruitment consultancy Michael Page, the Australian leisure and hospitality sectors of the economy are in need of top tier talent, with job opportunities at the executive level highest in NSW and Victoria.

67% of employers surveyed by Michael Page Hospitality and Leisure said that a skills shortage will place an upward pressure on salaries to rise above the inflation rate throughout the next year.

In addition, 57% of employers surveyed said that all employees will receive an increase in wages, which will vary according to performance abilities. However, just 27% said only the top performing employees will receive a salary increase.

The report also indicates that throughout the past 12 months, professionals who were working overseas have returned to Australia, especially those within event management, to seek domestic opportunities now that major events like the London Olympics are now over.

The average percentage salary increase for leisure and hospitality professionals is between 3% and 5%; in addition, employers reported that they recognise the need to offer higher and attractive salaries to quality talent employees in order to appeal to and secure the best talent in the current market.

Of the employers surveyed, 39% said they were unsure as to whether they would hire staff working in Australia on 457 visas while the report also pointed out that employers are open to the possibility of hiring talent from overseas markets.

The Report's observations on the sector suggest that "roles such national operations manager, general manager and event/operations manages (are) required to help expand growing businesses, improve customer service standads and productivity, and establish new entrants into the market."

The full report can be read at http://bit.ly/1eoIXMv

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