Respect

Respect as a dimension of fair work includes health and safety, dignity at work and issues relating to bullying and harassment, but it also goes beyond this to include dignified treatment, social support and the development of trusting relationships. The Inquiry considered the degree to which workers in hospitality enjoyed respect at work and found the following key points:

• In 2020/21-2022/23, the accommodation and food services sector performed well on some measures of health at work, specifically rates of self-reported work-related ill health, where it is the third lowest of all industries.
• Recognising reported increases in poor mental health, there are a range of social enterprises and charities dedicated to supporting improved mental health for hospitality workers.
• More negatively, in 2020/21-2022/23 accommodation and food services had the third highest rate of non-fatal workplace injury of any sector of the economy after agriculture and construction.
• The Inquiry heard that proactive inspection by Environmental Health Officers on health and safety issues has significantly reduced in the industry, in line with policy on wider health and safety enforcement. As a result, employers no longer receive the same level of ongoing support and advice on how to maintain standards.
• Bullying and harassment is a significant concern in the industry with many staff citing issues with both customers and managers and some evidence of a lack of action by employers if concerns are reported.
• Employers recognised that issues around respectful behaviours could be variable within the industry, with good practice sitting alongside pressurised workplaces and ‘traditional’, and not always respectful, management. Evidence to the Inquiry from both employers and workers suggested that behaviours in kitchens – traditionally seen as difficult working environments – were improving.
• The requirement to travel home late at night creates a specific safety risk for hospitality workers, particularly those that are low paid.
• Relationships with co-workers were often seen most positively, and often identified as one of the best elements of working within hospitality.

It is evident that many employers in hospitality take issues around respect seriously and take steps to ensure workers are safe and their wellbeing is supported. Yet, the evidence suggests that hospitality workers face a number of issues relating to respect at work. Hospitality workers would benefit from a clearer focus on safe working practices; support for night workers to get home safely; a better balance of working hours, with clear and consistent access to rest days; better relationships with managers, with a focus on eradicating bullying and harassment, particularly racism and sexual harassment; and a clear mechanism to report issues if they arise.

Respect at work is primarily about relationships, cultures, and how well work is run and organised and workers must feel confident that effective employer action will be taken if concerns are reported. This is an important and achievable focus for all employers regardless of size or starting point.