Hotels worried about tighter staff controls

Wednesday 15 January 2014

The Jersey Hospitality Association says a lack of formal qualifications shouldn't stop experienced and skilled professionals getting work in the trade.

New conditions regulating the employment of chefs from outside the European Economic Area, which came into force in Jersey from 1 January, also apply to other key hotel and catering staff. People coming to work in Jersey from EU member states will not have to meet the new criteria.

Association Chief Executive Gerald Fletcher said the new eligibility criteria had to be applied to senior management roles such as reception, food and beverage management, banqueting and conferencing. To be considered for management posts, applicants must be educated at degree or NVQ level 6 regardless of experience.

‘We are concerned how this will affect people who have not got the qualifications,’ he said. ‘In our trade there are people who have come up through the ranks, who have qualified through experience and are thoroughly professional.’

Instead of the Island replicating what applies in the UK, the Association would prefer to see more flexibility. While hoteliers and restaurateurs appreciate the need to control immigration, work permit employees are important for the success of the industry – and not just for the skills they bring.

Mr Fletcher said they are also key to training Islanders who are being encouraged to take up a career in hospitality.