Addressing Workforce Shortages in Australia’s Hospo Industry: Challenges and Solutions for 2024 and Beyond

Industry Growth and Challenges

According to ABS data, the turnover in cafes, restaurants, and takeaway food services has surged by 38.11% since March 2019, now exceeding $64 billion annually. This growth is fueled by factors such as population growth, evolving consumer preferences, tourism, and menu price inflation. As of April 2024, there are 54,285 cafes and restaurants in operation across Australia, comprising 49.3% of the total hospo industry. This figure has remained stable since FY2022 but represents a 16.48% increase from 2019.

However, the rapid growth has led to a significant workforce shortages in Australia's Hospo Industry. Seek.com.au data as of 27 May 2024 show 7,082 job postings for chefs, 5,287 for cooks, and 5,739 for restaurant/café managers, underscoring the high demand nationwide. 

Job listings reveal that chef roles in Australia offer average salaries of $70k-$75k, cook roles $65k-$75k, restaurant manager roles $75k-$85k, and café manager roles $70k-$75k. These figures surpass the median weekly earnings for all Australian employees ($1,300 per week) and align with the average weekly earnings in the Accommodation & Foodservice sector ($1,397). Furthermore, Home Affairs recently raised the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) to $73,150.

Key Issues Affecting Workforce Availability

Skills Mismatch: There is a notable gap between the skills possessed by job seekers and those required by employers in the hospo industry. This mismatch exacerbates the workforce shortages in Australia's hospo industry and complicates the recruitment process. Many recent graduates from Food Trade vocational courses lack the experience needed for available positions.

Demographic Trends: Declining enrollments and high dropout rates in Food Trade courses have shrunk the talent pool, heightening competition for skilled professionals. NCVER data indicate a 38% drop in commencements in Food Trades compared to 2023 and a 10.8% decline since 2019, making it the only trade occupation with a decrease since 2019.

Possible Future Scenarios

1. Increased Operating Costs: The persistent workforce shortages in Australia's Hospo Industry for skilled professionals are likely to drive wages up as businesses compete for limited talent, potentially resulting in higher prices for consumers or reduced business profitability.

2. Decline in Service Quality: Insufficient skilled staff may lead to a decline in service quality, negatively affecting customer satisfaction and repeat business.

3. Limited Growth and Expansion: The workforce shortages in Australia's hospo industry could hinder the growth and expansion plans of businesses, limiting their ability to meet increasing consumer demand.

4. Greater Reliance on Temporary and Migrant Workers: Businesses might increasingly depend on temporary and migrant workers to fill skill gaps, necessitating policy changes and enhanced support for worker integration and training.

5. Innovation and Technology Integration: To address the workforce shortages in Australia's hospo industry, businesses might adopt technological solutions, such as kitchen automation and advanced service systems, to boost efficiency and reduce reliance on human labour.

Securing the Future of Australia’s Hospo Scene

To sustain Australia's $64 billion hospo industry, addressing the workforce shortages of skilled workers is crucial. Despite the sector's rapid growth, driven by population increases and changing consumer preferences, there is a significant gap in skilled labour. Without effective measures, businesses may face increased costs, declining service quality, and stunted growth. Bridging the skills mismatch, improving vocational training, and leveraging technology are essential steps to ensure the industry's future vitality and continued contribution to the economy.

ChefHire: Your Partner in Solving Workforce Shortages

At ChefHire, Australia's leading chef agency, we understand the critical need for skilled chefs in the hospo industry. Our extensive network of highly qualified professionals is ready to fill the gaps and support your business's growth. By partnering with ChefHire, you gain access to top talent, reducing recruitment challenges and ensuring that your establishment continues to deliver exceptional service. Let ChefHire help you navigate these workforce shortages and secure the future success of your business.