Marketing Manchester and GC Employment – both part of The Growth Company – have launched a dedicated resource for individuals working in the tourism and hospitality industries whose employment has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
With over 101,000 people employed within Greater Manchester’s tourism and hospitality industries – many of whom face potential changes to their employment situation – the Tourism & Hospitality Talent Hub draws on established employment services offered by GC Employment, specialist input from Greater Manchester’s promotional agency and tourist board Marketing Manchester, and practical support from the Manchester Hoteliers’ Association (MHA).
If individuals no longer have employment as a result of COVID-19 or have experienced a change to circumstances such as a reduction in hours or redeployment to another area of the business, the Tourism & Hospitality Talent Hub can assist with helping to find new job opportunities, training, advice and guidance, money matters and health and wellbeing.
To support the launch of this new resource, Hospitality Talent Hub lead, Margaret Bartnikiewicz, will be hosting a live webinar on Wednesday 5 August at 11am to discuss the range of services available to businesses across Greater Manchester. This will include training and skills, talent needs, and will provide further information about redundancy support should businesses find themselves in this difficult position. To register click here.
Sheona Southern, Managing Director at Marketing Manchester said: “At the start of 2020, the visitor economy was worth over £9 billion per annum and supported over 101,000 jobs. The impact of Covid-19 on jobs in tourism, hospitality and leisure has undoubtably been devastating with many livelihoods affected. As we rebuild our visitor economy it is essential that we support and guide effected individuals through this difficult period and the Tourism & Hospitality Talent Hub has been set up to do exactly that.”
Mark Hughes, CEO of The Growth Company, said: “We understand the challenges the Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure industries are facing. As we start to return to the ‘new normal’, we want to ensure that businesses have the right support to help both them and their employees as they navigate significant changes to the sector. Whether this be through skills development, talent management, or re-shaping, this new resource will be essential for helping to future proof the sector.”
Adrian Ellis, Chair of The Manchester Hotelier’s Association, added: “We’re delighted to work with Marketing Manchester and GC Employment on this key initiative to support the tourism and hospitality industry as it goes through one of the most challenging times in recent history. Support for staff that cannot return to their place of work due to lower demand and social distancing will be crucial for the months ahead and industry forecasts show a slow and cautious return to demand meaning the Talent Hub will be vital for many thousands of employees in the industry who need support and assistance in finding alternative employment sources.”
Individuals can contact the Tourism & Hospitality Talent Hub by calling 07503620815 or emailing talenthub@growthco.uk.
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