New data reveals surge of Australian over 50s signing up to work in hospitality industry

September 3, 2020

New data from Barcats, one of Australia’s leading hospitality platforms, has revealed COVID-19 is no deterrent for Australians over 50 years of age, who are increasingly signing up to work in Australia’s pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes.

Barcats Chief Executive and Founder, Jeffrey Williams advises “we’ve experienced a massive 187% national increase in over 50s joining our community and wanting to get out there and work over the last four months.

“Since April 2020, NSW has experienced the biggest leap in signups from over 50s with a 254% increase, followed by Queensland with a 212% increase. Victoria’s increase is significantly lower at 86%.

“Mature workers often have a strong work ethic and are super reliable and this is exactly what we need in the industry right now where venues are battling with younger staff not willing to work because they’re comfortable on Job Keeper and Job Seeker.

Williamd added “Mature workers are going to play a key role in rebuilding our hospitality industry and more venues need to be flexible in their approach to hiring to make this work. They will need to embrace the casualisation of the workforce and offer shorter shifts such as splitting the chef role into two or three jobs throughout the day.

“Over 141,000 working holiday makers were living in Australia in December last year and many of these people were working in our local bars, clubs, restaurants, cafes and hotels. This workforce has now returned to their home countries and there are no new backpackers on the cards for a while.

“We’re faced with a significant staff and skills shortage in the hospitality industry that will ultimately impact the number of businesses that will be able to reopen and sustain through the summer and Christmas periods.

“More venues need to give this experienced generation and untapped workforce a chance to help rebuild our industry.”

Barcats is offering practical free training for the over 50s through its partners Ananas, Diageo, Lion, Brown-Forman, Nestle, Treasury Wines and Allara Learning, perfect for those wanting to return to the workforce, upskill or change careers.

Barcats currently has over 130 jobs available in Queensland alone including chef, barista general manager and kitchen hand roles.

Barcats is Australia and New Zealand’s fastest growing hospitality community, with 80,000 workers and 19,000 venues currently using the platform.

For more information go to www.barcats.com.au/

Image courtesy of Australian Human Rights Commission

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