The Fair Work Convention, Scotland’s independent advisory body to the Scottish Government, has concluded its two year inquiry into Scotland’s hospitality sector and today (Tuesday 24 September) published its findings and recommendations.
In an industry where the worker perspective is not well understood, this Inquiry offered a rare opportunity for employers, employees and unions to be at the same table designing solutions for the hospitality sector in Scotland. The Fair Work Hospitality Inquiry Group carefully considered the experiences of both employers and workers in fair work terms and conducted additional research on how best to support and influence working practices in a sector like hospitality.
The Inquiry makes 12 recommendations mainly for the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leadership Group (THILG) formed of leaders from across the spectrum of the tourism and hospitality community, and further recommendations for the Scottish Government and the role it can play to further the adoption of fair work practices. This includes providing resources that build capacity in the industry such as dedicated fair work coordinators, specific fair work accredited training, and funding of pilot projects for new ways of working. The Inquiry also calls on the Scottish Government to improve funding to support disabled workers and to increase Health and Safety inspections.
The report recommends that the THILG develop a Fair Work Hospitality Charter based on the findings of the Inquiry, incorporating key principles like payment of the Real Living Wage, promotion of Real Living Hours, the provision of written contracts for all workers, tips policies that are clear, fair and in line with legislation, access to paid training and development, and supporting workers to understand their rights and entitlements at work. There is also a call for the THILG to create a dedicated rurality sub-group to tackle a range of issues for hospitality businesses in rural areas.
Hospitality employers will also be supported to create a network of senior managers to act as Fair Work Champions and elected Effective Voice Champions from amongst their workforce. These networks will support the development of innovative workplace solutions to fair work challenges and facilitate the sharing of good fair work practice across the industry.
Co-Chair of the Inquiry, Linda Johnston said;
“While it is undoubtedly a challenging time for hospitality businesses, there is still scope to make progress, and a focus on improving fair work supports better outcomes for workers and employers in the industry.
This report into Scotland’s hospitality sector shows when industry leads work together, real, meaningful change is possible, learning from the good practice that already exists in many businesses. The recommendations form a solid basis to ensure fair work is at the heart of the hospitality industry going forward.”
Co-Chair of the Inquiry, Satnam Ner added;
“One of the accomplishments of the Fair Work Hospitality Inquiry was bringing employers, workers and unions together to encourage a culture of open communication, leadership support and staff empowerment.
Delivering our recommendations will lead to a meaningful improvement in working lives of everyone in the hospitality industry.”
Employment Minister Tom Arthur said:
“The Scottish Government recognises the importance of the Fair Work Hospitality Inquiry and will consider its recommendations before setting out a response in due course.
“The Inquiry has raised awareness of fair work and begun building an industry wide commitment to it.
“We will continue to work with the Convention and the hospitality sector in their effort to ensure workers and businesses benefit from fair work while supporting our vibrant and world-class industry.”
Co-Chairs of the Fair Work Convention, Patricia Findlay and Mary Alexander noted:
“Once again, we see the benefits of the Convention’s Inquiry process in convening key stakeholders, assessing and building on existing evidence, identifying key challenges and building consensus on next steps.
“We are grateful to both Inquiry Chairs and members for their time, sharing of expertise and constructive engagement, and we are sure they will all continue to champion fair work in the hospitality sector in Scotland.”