Denis Xenos says staff shortages will threaten hospitality sector in NSW

·

Finally there’s light at the end of the tunnel for the struggling hospitality sector as Freedom Day approaches in NSW on October 11.

But as cafes and restaurants prepare to reopen, dozens of hospitality jobs remain up for grabs as local businesses struggle to find enough staff to fill vacancies.

Denis Xenos, co-owner of Crows Nest institution Xenos Restaurant, said the industry-wide shortage threatens to hinder restaurants as they reopen for indoor dining after months of lockdowns and serving takeaways meals.

“We’ve had a board outside the restaurant for close to a month now saying we’re hiring and we’ve had maybe half a dozen people express interest,” he told The Daily Telegraph.

“Everyone is suffering at the moment and we’re having to lower the bar – normally we’d ask for people with experience but there’s no one out there.

“It’s difficult to get anyone with enough experience under their belt and willing to work the hours we need.”

Xenos Restaurant is preparing to reopen for indoor dining next month.

Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show 27 percent of Australian businesses were having difficulty finding suitable staff in a survey in June.

Mr Xenos said he believes the shortage is tied to international border closures and the fact that “people are scared to veer too far from where they feel comfortable at the moment.”

“You’ve also got big hospitality businesses throwing everything at staff to poach them – some are giving new recruits managerial roles in the hope they can get the services they need over summer,” Mr Xenos said.

But the Greek Australian remains hopeful the easing of restrictions in coming weeks will bring about renewed confidence in the job market.

“Hopefully it’s a confidence thing but whatever happens we’ll be open on October 11,” he said.

“We’ll be leaning on as many family members as possible to work in the restaurant if needs be.”

Source: The Daily Telegraph.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘I will never forget you’: Emotional farewell for Greek Consul General in Sydney

An emotional Greek Consul General Yannis Mallikourtis delivered his farewell speech on Monday evening at Business Sydney’s Event Centre.

Adelaide’s St Sophrony Parish raises funds for hall construction

The newly established St Sophrony of Essex parish in Hectorville, Adelaide, held its first official fundraising dinner on Sunday, June 29.

From homelessness to homeowner: Kostas Papadimitropoulos shares his inspirational story

Melbourne man Kostas Papadimitropoulos has turned his life around after being scammed out of his life savings and forced to live in his car.

Sydney Dance Company shines at Athens Epidaurus Festival with ‘Impermanence’

The Sydney Dance Company captivated a crowd of 5,000 at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus last week, performing 'Impermanence.'

Former ATO worker Paraskevi Vula Danassis convicted in $2 billion GST scam

Former Australian Taxation Office employee Paraskevi Vula Danassis has been convicted over her role in a $2 billion GST fraud scheme.

You May Also Like

South Australian government calls for Greek interpreters and translators

SA Minister for Human Services, Nat Cook MP, has announced the state government is seeking to recruit additional interpreters and translators.

‘There’s a buzz in the air’: Greek Australian on the iconic Patras Carnival

It is know that the biggest carnival in Greece, the Patrino Carnavale rivals the most well-known carnivals in the world.

Nursing home CEO expects ‘Golden Age’ to be over for Epping Gardens co-owners

Co-owners of the coronavirus-stricken nursing home Epping Gardens should be prepared for a tough industry environment, Greg Reeve says.