Labour shortage to defeat Hungarian tourism sector? Managers have to clean the hotels

The catering and hospitality industries are severely affected by the lack of a workforce. Chefs, waiters, bartenders are missing from restaurants, as they are afraid of further dismissals and the fourth wave of the pandemic. Most of those who left catering are now working in construction, transportation, and retail – industries that were thriving even during the pandemic. The majority of former catering employees are not planning to return.

Szabolcs Tóth, the general manager of Attaboy Burger Bistro, told G7 that they got applications for their job openings until April, but even before, in general, only 3 people out of 10 went to the job interview and a similar percentage showed up on the trial day. Delivery jobs fill up more easily.

Bori Sinkó, the owner of Hokedli, said that a few months ago, it had been easier to find new employees. She added that, often, specially trained professionals applied, such as a chef who had previously worked in a fine-dining restaurant.

Szabolcs Tóth said that job applicants with modest skills can now get the jobs for which there had been competition 5 years ago.