Ethnic Diversity

21 percent of the sector’s workers were not born in the UK and this rises to 37 percent in the restaurant sector. Of the 21 percent of the workforce who were born overseas, many (64 percent) are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). 13 percent were born in Bangladesh with 13 percent in India.

Many are recruited as chefs in Asian and Oriental restaurants and takeaways, but changes to the UK’s immigration policy means that this will soon become increasingly difficult and exacerbate existing skill shortages. However, the proposed Asian and Oriental centres of excellence in London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester should alleviate these problems.

Over the past ten years, many vacancies have been filled by those from Eastern Europe. Of those from within the EEA, workers from Poland make up, by far, the largest group, representing 38 percent of all non UK born EEA workers. These workers have not generally filled skills shortage occupations, such as chefs and managers, but rather lower-skilled, front-of-house roles.

[Information extracted from People 1st’s State of the Nation report 2011]

One and All is focused on emphasising to businesses that in this multicultural world a diverse workforce which reflects the society in which we do business is a positive asset.

In addition with the tightening of immigration restrictions for non EU migrants there is particular need for UK nationals to be trained in ethnic cuisine and One and All is supportive of this initiative.

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