Labour shortages No. 2 operator concern: report

Toronto – Labour shortages are now the second greatest challenge for foodservice operators, according to Restaurants Canada’s most recent quarterly Restaurant Outlook Survey.

This is the first time since Restaurants Canada began conducting the survey in 2011 that labour shortages have risen to become one of the top two causes of concern for respondents, along with labour costs, bumping food costs down to the third most concerning issue, Restaurants Canada said in a news release.

Increased competition from other industries for staff, changing demographics and a lower unemployment rate are making it difficult for operators to find employees, the organization said. According to the survey, 51 per cent of operators are finding it “extremely” or “very” difficult to fill back-of-house positions, while one-third of operators are finding it challenging to fill manager positions.

The results of Restaurants Canada’s Restaurant Outlook Survey for the second quarter of 2018 were compiled from responses to a survey conducted in July 2018. In total, 283 completed surveys were submitted, representing table-service restaurants, quick-service restaurants, and other foodservice businesses, such as accommodation, institutions and drinking places.