Overcoming barriers to inclusive recruitment in Northern Ireland’s tourism and hospitality sectors
Led by People 1st International in partnership with HATS Network, the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF), Tourism NI and the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance (NITA)
The tourism sector is of strategic importance to Northern Ireland’s economy, driving regional growth, job creation and social cohesion. Contributing £2.4 billion to the economy in 2021, the sector accounts for 7% of all jobs, with 70% of tourism employment located outside Belfast. The tourism industry is recognised for its inclusivity, offering diverse career paths, particularly for women, young people and individuals with disabilities. However, despite its potential, there remains untapped capacity to reduce economic inactivity and better integrate underrepresented groups into the workforce.
This project aims to explore the barriers faced by hospitality and tourism sector employers, both SMEs and large businesses, in recruiting economically inactive individuals. The research aligns with the EPIC Futures initiative’s Theme 6, focusing on inclusive recruitment practices to reduce economic inactivity. It will investigate the financial and non-financial challenges that employers face, comparing the difficulties encountered by small businesses versus larger enterprises.
The project will also map current approaches used by employers to attract and retain underrepresented talent and assess the alignment of existing policies with employers’ needs. By focusing on economically inactive individuals, the research seeks to tap into an underutilised talent pool that could significantly contribute to the growth of the sector. Expected outcomes include actionable recommendations for improving recruitment practices and workplace inclusivity, with a particular focus on SMEs. This will help improve collaboration between employers, policymakers and stakeholders, fostering inclusive employment practices and enhancing the sector’s reputation as a rewarding career path.
