Tourism businesses in the North West could be eligible for generous subsidies for a new scheme that could dramatically improve the way they manage their workforce.
Tourism HR is a bespoke human resources service helping tourism and hospitality businesses across Merseyside and Manchester to understand and comply with mounting employment legislation. It can also advise on a variety of people issues, such as staff retention.
High employee turnover is a familiar problem in the industry and, at 45.7%, is three times the UK national average.1 Research also shows that most smaller companies deal with HR issues in-house, but often do not have enough time or expertise to invest in these issues. Many admit they struggle with legislation and have gaps in their procedures.2 However, this can lead to increasing problems within the workforce and leave them vulnerable to tribunal claims.
The Tourism HR service offers an initial face-to-face, on-site business audit, delivered by consultants who specialise in the industry. It also provides an online library of easy-to-use documents and guidance, on a variety of topics such as appraisals, training, recruitment, disciplinary issues and absence management. A telephone helpline, backed by human resource experts is also available. Additionally, the user will receive regular e-newsletters, with tourism sector news, plus e-alerts to highlight relevant law changes.
The subsidies are being provided by the Northwest Regional Development Agency, through regional tourist boards, The Mersey Partnership and Marketing Manchester.
Felicity Goodey, chair of the Tourism Forum for Englandís Northwest, said: ìTourism is one of our most important growth industries. Itís a highly competitive business in which the quality of the service our visitors receive is critical to our success. We need well-trained and motivated professionals. Services such as Tourism HR will enhance the professionalism of the industry, helping to ensure that tourism attracts and retains talented individuals who may have overlooked it in the past.î
Natalie Raw, of Liverpoolís Hope Street Hotel, who is currently using the service, said: ìAs a new and aspiring company, we wanted to make sure that we are handling our HR responsibilities properly. We took on Tourism HR to help us make sure we were covering all aspects of HR, from best practice to legal issues, and we have been extremely pleased with the support they have given us.î
To find out more about the Tourism HR service, contact Kate Johnson, on 0151 326 2110, or email katejohnson@adviserplus.com
A solution to high staff turnover
Tourism businesses in the North West could be eligible for generous subsidies for a new scheme that could dramatically improve the way they manage their workforce.
