New hires at WSTA, Marston’s, Pernod Ricard and Mangrove UK

 Food safety standards ‘in jeopardy’ due to mass post-Covid recruitment 

Faced with a shortage of almost 200,000 staff, the UK’s hospitality sector is on a hiring spree. Yet, this could severely risk the health and safety of consumers, according to Kirstie Jones, an environmental health expert of Navitas Safety.  

With restrictions winding down and a staffing crisis brought on by the pandemic, online recruiter Indeed recently revealed that during June 2021 the number of job postings in the hospitality industry was up to 29% higher than pre-pandemic levels in February 2020.

The demand for staff comes as the need for table-only service has increased, outdoor seating has expanded and an improved confidence amongst consumers has rapidly surged eating-out bookings. 

But the speed in which both waiting on and back-of-house staff are being placed into new roles could mean that food safety standards are in jeopardy and could risk consumer safety.

“For many previously furloughed employees it may have been months since they have been at work, and with staff shortages across the sector there is a vast number of new recruits who have no prior experience working in a food-related environment,” Jones said.

“Not only has Covid-19 meant regulations have changed dramatically since pre-pandemic, but it is imperative that businesses actively train staff and update their safety procedures as they hire new people, particularly as new laws, digitalised menus and table service come into play.”

WSTA appoints three new board members

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has welcomed three new board members to its executive team. 

Caroline Thompson-Hill, European managing director at Accolade; Alexei Rosin, managing director for UK and Ireland at Moët Hennessy UK; and James Miles, chairman and managing director at Liv-ex all attended their first WSTA Board meeting last week. 

The new board members take up their posts following the departure of Michelle Brampton, European MD of Treasury Wine Estates, who is leaving the company and Troy Christensen, CEO at Enotria & Coe, who has served two terms on the WSTA board.

“The WSTA continues to build its board team and I am delighted to welcome Caroline, Alexei and James,” WSTA chief executive Miles Beale said. “The board will work with WSTA team to strengthen the UK wine trade’s global reach and enhance the UK as a hub for wine trading.

“The UK wine industry faces a tough trading landscape as it makes up for losses brought about by the pandemic and Brexit disruption. 

“By working together, we can continue to campaign and secure victories for the wine and spirit trade, as well as highlighting its importance to the UK economy and bring about changes which will benefit both businesses and consumers.”

Greene King to offer 1,000 Kickstart places 

Brewer and pub operator Greene King will offer 1,000 jobs to young people as part of the Government’s Kickstart scheme, with vacancies available across the UK from July.

The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create jobs for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit. 

The Suffolk-based firm has created a new role, hospitality services team member, specifically for the scheme. Candidates will have the opportunity to work front of house, kitchen and, where possible, reception and housekeeping. 

Graham Briggs, head of apprenticeships and employability programmes at Greene King, said: “We’re really pleased to be part of the Kickstart scheme and be able to offer 1,000 placements across the UK. 

“We see Kickstart as a great way to create more opportunities for young people, alongside our already successful apprenticeships and other social mobility programmes, and we can’t wait for more young people to join us through the scheme.”

Hospitality recruitment drive launches in Scotland 

A UKHospitality-backed recruitment drive for Scotland’s hospitality and tourism sectors has launched, according to reports by MCA Insight​. 

An advertising campaign will promote the range of roles in the sectors and aim to help people find a job to match their skills. 

The Scottish Government said the aim was to support businesses to fill staff shortages following Brexit and encourage 18-30-year-olds play their part in helping firms recover from the pandemic.

Employers are asked to list vacancies on the Careerscope jobs portal which will be made available to the site’s users. Those with profiles will be matched to suitable vacancies. 

Diageo launches ‘Social Zone’ 

Diageo, the maker of Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff and Guinness, has launched a new, free social media marketing tool to help pubs and bars create localised social media campaigns which target consumers and drive footfall to their venue during the summer period. 

The ‘Social Zone’ provides high quality, editable assets from brands such as Guinness, Tanqueray and Gordon's which allow outlets to create customised social media advertising campaigns from their channels. 

Outlets will also have the opportunity to access online review management tools, and the ability to engage with followers of their social channels. 

Operators will be able to access Social Zone in Great Britain and Ireland via MyDiageo.com.

“After being closed to the public for a significant amount of time, the reopening period is so important, and we are constantly looking at ways we can continue to support,” Jimmy Klein, global digital innovation manager at Diageo said. 

“With marketing budgets squeezed and every penny going back into the business, we are harnessing years of marketing expertise from our global brands and packaging it up, so pubs and bars can build their social media offering and drive footfall into venues.”

84% of women want to see PMS leave policies implemented by law 

Research by menstrual care solutions provider, Yoppie, is calling on UK businesses to create their own workplace period leave policies after their research found that 96% of UK women say their employers do not offer any sort of menstrual leave, even for the most severe symptoms. 

UK employment law still doesn't stipulate that women who are experiencing severe menstrual symptoms can take time off work.

However, when asked if they would support or oppose such a policy becoming a legal workplace requirement, 84% stated they were in favour, with just 6% strongly against the idea.

Existing menstrual leave in the workplace is mainly, but not exclusively, seen in Asian nations with specific examples including Indonesia where employees are granted two days of menstrual leave each month. Other nations to provide legally enforced menstrual leave include Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea.

“The UK continues to fall short of basic employment rights by constantly ignoring the issue of menstrual leave,” Yoppie founder, Daniella Peri, said. “While those nations that already offer some form of leave might not be getting it absolutely right, they’re miles ahead of us.

“Some will argue that our general sick leave policies are sufficient to cover menstrual leave, but if a woman is having to take a day or two sick leave every month compared to the average of four or five sick days a year, employers may start to look unfavourably on them.

“It’s this stigma that causes many to refrain from taking time off work when PMS hits in fear that they won’t be treated equally against their male counterparts.”

Marston’s appoints chief financial officer 

Marston’s board has announced the appointment of Hayleigh Lupino as chief financial officer with effect from 3 October. 

Lupino will succeed Andrew Andrea who, in turn, takes over as chief executive officer from Ralph Findlay at the end of the current financial year ending 2 October. 

Having joined Marston’s in 2003, Lupino is currently Marston’s director of group finance and has more than 18 years’ experience within the Wolverhampton-based operator. She also serves on the Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company board as a non-executive director and is currently a Trustee of Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, where she chairs the finance and business sub-committee. 

“I am delighted to announce Hayleigh’s appointment and welcome her to the Marston’s Board,” William Rucker, Marston’s chairman said. “Marston’s is a people business and Hayleigh has unparalleled knowledge, understanding and experience of Marston’s business, culture and values which, together with her clear financial prowess, will be a great asset to the senior leadership team.  

“She has a proven track record of delivery and is highly regarded within Marston’s which will stand her in good stead in her future role. I, together with my fellow directors, look forward to working with her closely in future.” 

Marston’s will announce a trading update for the 42 weeks to 24 July 2021 on 28 July. 

Greene King to support young people with learning difficulties into employment 

Suffolk-based brewer and pub operator Greene King has partnered with Landmarks Specialist College – which operates across five sites in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire – to provide 16–24-year-olds with learning difficulties and disabilities the opportunity to develop employment and life skills as they enter the hospitality sector.

The first programme, which began in June in South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, is giving nine learners work experience in Greene King pubs. Landmarks Specialist College will also support with a job coach until the individual can work independently.

Graham Briggs, head of apprenticeships and employability programmes at Greene King, said: “Improving social mobility and creating the best opportunities in hospitality for young people from all backgrounds is really important to us. 

“Our partnership with Landmarks Specialist College will help provide valuable work experience to young people with learning difficulties, with a view to securing permanent employment with us."

Pernod Ricard UK announces new marketing director 

Pernod Ricard UK has announced the appointment of Leanne Banks as its new marketing director to lead its digital transformation, and drive value growth across the company’s premium spirits and wine portfolio. 

She replaces Raja Banerji, who is returning to Pernod Ricard India to the position of head of prestige portfolio.

In her new role, Banks will oversee the development of integrated marketing campaigns, innovation, brand advocacy, consumer experiences, digital and eCommerce across the business. Her key focus will be on putting the consumer at the heart of all campaigns and driving creativity for the wide portfolio of brands.  

Banks has 20 years’ experience in the drinks and luxury industry and has held a variety of market and global roles across both marketing and insights at Maxxium, LVMH and Bacardi, including various positions within the brand teams at Pernod Ricard between 2005 and 2008. 

Mangrove UK welcomes new brand manager

Emma Sprackling has been recruited to take on the senior role of brand manager within the marketing team at premium distributer Mangrove UK.

With more than six years’ experience in the drinks industry, Spracking will take on the new role across multiple brands within the Mangrove portfolio including Empirical, Molinari and El Bandarra, as well as established Mangrove serves Don Q, Select, Vecchia Romagna, Giffard, Pampelle and Amaro Montenegro. 

Her role and responsibilities will include developing innovative marketing initiatives, managing campaigns and events, forging new partnerships and building brand strategies.

"I am really excited to take on this new challenge, the Mangrove portfolio is really inspiring with huge potential,” Sprackling said. “There are so many great liquids in the portfolio, I can’t wait to get stuck in."