TLDR: The UK hospitality industry remains a massive economic force. In 2022, it employed around 3.5 million people—making it the third-largest employment sector in the country. But by June 2024, that number dropped to 2.8 million. This blog explores why, and what’s next.
More than just plates and pillows—it’s one of the UK’s biggest employers. The sector spans food service, hotels, events, and related fields—and it’s deeply woven into the UK’s culture and economy. But it’s also in flux. Seasonal shifts, economic headwinds, and evolving workforce demands are changing the landscape.
Table of Contents
1. Why Hospitality Still Matters
Even at 2.8 million jobs, hospitality is:
- Bigger than transport and logistics
- A primary employer of young workers
- One of the most diverse, people-driven industries in the UK
It’s more than an industry—it’s an ecosystem.
2. How Many People Work in Hospitality?
2022: ~3.5 million people (UKHospitality)
June 2024: ~2.8 million people (~7.5% of UK jobs, per ResearchBriefings.Parliament.uk)
This covers roles in:
- Restaurants and cafés
- Hotels and accommodation
- Pubs, clubs, events
- Catering, institutional kitchens, and more
3. What’s Behind the Drop in Jobs?
- Post-pandemic closures and reduced venue capacities
- Seasonal reductions and Brexit-linked labour shifts
- Increased automation and leaner staffing models
- Higher cost of living causing career pivots
It’s not one issue—it’s a stack of compounding pressures.
4. Where Are the Jobs Going?
- Larger chains are centralising operations and reducing local hiring
- Independents are struggling to match wages and hours
- Some roles are shifting to gig/freelance contracts
- Others are lost to attrition—people leaving hospitality altogether
This reshaping affects how, where, and who gets hired.
5. What This Means for Employers & Chefs
For Employers:
- Fewer applicants = need to stand out with pay, culture, and clarity
- More reliance on short-term staff, agencies, and freelance models
For Chefs:
- More flexibility—but also more competition for premium roles
- Bigger focus on upskilling, branding, and networks
The old playbook won’t cut it.
6. What Happens Next?
- Continued shift toward flexible, freelance, or live-in staffing
- More digital recruitment (job boards, WhatsApp, referrals)
- Pressure on wages and retention to balance cost vs quality
- Role of policy and training programs to fill future gaps
Adaptability, not size, will define success.
Conclusion
Hospitality still stands as one of the UK’s largest sectors—but its shape is changing. Whether you’re a chef or employer, understanding these trends is key to navigating what’s next.
Click to read the full blog and explore how employment trends are shaping the UK’s hospitality landscape.
How big is the UK hospitality industry?
As of June 2024, it employs around 2.8 million people—making it the UK’s third-largest employment sector despite recent job drops.
Why are hospitality jobs declining?
A mix of post-COVID closures, Brexit labour shifts, automation, and rising living costs is reducing workforce size across the sector.
What’s next for chefs and employers?
Expect more freelance roles, digital recruitment, and competition for top jobs. Upskilling and strong work culture will matter more than ever.
