SCOTLAND’S Fair Work Convention has launched an inquiry into the hospitality industry - with Linda Johnston from Arran’s Auchrannie Hotel playing a leading role.

She will co-chair the inquiry along with Satnam Ner, the Scottish TUC’s first black president.

The Convention believes the cost of living crisis, issues with recruitment and retention and pressures from both Brexit and Covid-19 mean the industry has reached a watershed moment and the time is right for an inquiry.

The inquiry will bring together for the first time, employers, employees, national bodies engaged in the industry, and trade unions, to consider fair work practices in hospitality.

This 18-month inquiry will be delivered by Scotland’s Fair Work Convention and will aim to establish the extent to which work in the industry can be described as fair work. The inquiry will make recommendations for changes to practices which will help the industry to attract and keep the best talent, continuing to make Scotland a world class visitor destination.

Linda told the Herald: “It is essential that people in hospitality, work in an industry that provides meaningful, sustainable and fulfilling careers, and which promotes fair work for everyone.”

She added: “Improving the voice of the employee, listening to employers, and understanding and addressing barriers to fair work will help create higher quality jobs, address any longstanding inequalities, improve skills and training, and ultimately create amazing experiences for our customers.”

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