Staff shortage in Sweden's restaurant industry
In April, there were over 7,000 job advertisements for restaurant and kitchen assistants, chefs, cold buffet workers, head waiters, waiters, and bartenders at the Swedish Public Employment Service.
During the same month, over 27,000 people applied for these jobs, but the puzzle of staffing still remains unsolved. The industry is still desperately in need of personnel, particularly those with experience, according to the industry organization Visita.
The Swedish hospitality industry faces a critical staff shortage despite thousands of job openings.
The shortage was exacerbated by the pandemic, as some individuals shifted to other professions and didn't return. This scarcity hampers the industry's recovery, leading to reduced offerings and delayed expansion plans. Automation is seen as a potential solution, with certain tasks becoming automated, but the sector still requires a large workforce.
The industry seeks improved conditions, security, and education to attract more talent, while authorities and industry organizations work to address the problem and match unemployed workers with available jobs.
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