Hospitality Sector

The UK hospitality industry, encompassing hotels, restaurants, bars, and event venues, faces unique workplace challenges. Davenport Solicitors provides comprehensive employment, immigration, and HR advisory to support your business in this dynamic sector.

Key Challenges in the Hospitality Sector

Hospitality businesses must manage seasonal staffing fluctuations, and complex shift patterns, and employ a diverse workforce. Post-Brexit immigration rules and evolving employment regulations add further complexity.

How We Can Help

We offer specialized workplace solutions for hospitality businesses of all sizes. Our team acts as your strategic partners, supporting workforce planning and management in this fast-paced industry.

Employment Law Services for Hospitality Businesses

We guide hospitality companies through UK employment law, ensuring compliance while maintaining operational flexibility. Our services include:

• Staff Handbooks and Employment Contracts: Creating documents that address the unique needs of hospitality roles
• Disciplinary Procedures and Grievance Handling: Developing fair and effective processes for conflict resolution
• Employment Tribunal Representation: Robust defense in disputes, from unfair dismissal to discrimination claims
• TUPE Advice: Supporting smooth transitions during mergers, acquisitions, or outsourcing of services
• Zero-hours Contract Guidance: Advice on proper use and compliance
• Working Time Regulations Compliance: Managing shift patterns and rest periods
• National Minimum Wage Audits: Ensuring pay practices meet legal requirements
• Equality and Diversity Policies: Tailored for hospitality environments
• Health and Safety Compliance: Specific to food service and accommodation

Business Immigration Services for the Hospitality Sector

We assist in attracting and retaining global talent crucial for the hospitality industry. Our services include:

• Sponsor Licence Application and Management: Facilitating the ability to hire international staff
• Certificate of Sponsorship Guidance: Simplifying the process for hiring skilled overseas workers
• Immigration Compliance Audits: Ensuring ongoing adherence to Home Office requirements
• Seasonal Worker Visa Assistance: For temporary hospitality staff
• Right to Work Checks: Ensuring compliance with evolving regulations
• Brexit Immigration Support: Navigating new rules for EU hospitality workers
• Visa Extension and Settlement Support: Retaining valuable international staff

Global Mobility Services for the Hospitality Sector

We support hospitality businesses in managing an international workforce:

• International Assignments: Managing secondments for hospitality professionals abroad
• Cross-Border Employment Contracts: Ensuring compliance with local and international laws
• Relocation Support: Assisting with practical aspects of international moves for hospitality personnel
• Cultural Training: Supporting staff transitions to new countries

HR Advisory Support for Hospitality Employers

We help build strong, diverse hospitality teams through:

• Fixed Fee HR Packages: Ongoing support tailored to the hospitality sector’s unique needs
• HR Training: Equipping managers with skills to handle diverse teams in high-pressure environments
• Performance Management Systems: Tailored to hospitality roles
• Recruitment and Retention Strategies: For high-turnover environments
• Employee Wellbeing Programs: Supporting staff in demanding roles
• Conflict Resolution Training: For customer-facing hospitality staff
• Succession Planning: Developing leadership within hospitality organizations

Why Choose Davenport Solicitors?

We possess extensive experience in the hospitality sector. Our team understands the industry’s unique challenges and provides practical, business-focused advice. We offer proactive support that evolves with your company’s growth.

Contact Us

Empower your hospitality business with expert workplace solutions. Contact Davenport Solicitors today for specialized guidance on employment law, immigration, and HR matters designed for the hospitality sector. Let us support your success while ensuring full compliance.

FAQs:

• How can we manage seasonal staff legally? 

Use fixed-term contracts clearly stating employment duration. Ensure seasonal staff receive the same rights as permanent employees, including holiday pay and protection against discrimination. Consider maintaining a pool of reliable seasonal workers for recurring busy periods.

• What are the rules for employing EU citizens post-Brexit?

EU citizens residing in the UK before 31 December 2020 can apply for settled or pre-settled status. For new EU workers, you’ll need to sponsor them under the points-based immigration system, similar to non-EU workers. Ensure you have a valid sponsor license and that the role meets skill and salary thresholds.

• How do we handle tips and service charges legally? 

Cash tips given directly to staff belong to them. For card tips or service charges, create a clear, written policy on distribution. Ensure this policy is transparent to both staff and customers. Remember, tips cannot count towards meeting National Minimum Wage obligations.

• What should be included in a hospitality worker’s contract?

Include job title, duties, hours, and pay. Add specific clauses on shift patterns, overtime, tips policy, uniform requirements, and any post-employment restrictions. For customer-facing roles, consider including conduct and appearance standards.

• How can we protect our business from discrimination claims?

Implement clear anti-discrimination policies and provide regular training to all staff. Ensure fair and consistent treatment in all aspects of employment, from hiring to promotion. Have robust grievance procedures in place and take all complaints seriously. Conduct regular equality audits to identify and address potential issues proactively.