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GETTINGWORK
The work Listen to the chatter in bars and restaurants around the UK; the southern Hemisphere accent really cuts through, such is the number of them working in the industry. Waiting and other front-ofhouse positions are usually widely available, and there are also plenty of jobs to land in the kitchen – many a chef has made their mark here. But the bonus for waiters is supplementing wages with tips. This is an industry where turnover is high, so don’t give up if you don’t get a job straight away. It’s a numbers game, so you’ll land something in no time. The pay
Pulling beers: You’ll get to meet the locals
Along with retail, the hospitality industry is one of the lowest paying. The minimum wage is personal licence, known officially £4.98 for 18-21-year-olds and £6.08 as a National Certificate for for those aged 21 and over. Personal Licence Holders or That might seem a bit tight, (NCPLH) Level 2. This involves but you’ll find the tips more than partaking in a licensing law course make up for it – this alone is an and sitting an exam. You can find incentive to not only be good at various organisations online that your job, but to be offer the course extra friendly to (see dcms.gov.uk CODE OF PRACTICE customers. for more details). The British Hospitality Association Also check Equally, has published a voluntary code whether the job anyone wanting of practice on service charges, has any perks. to work in a in an effort to make things more Many hospitality kitchen must clear for both customers and jobs, mostly outside have basic food employees. The guide urges of London, include and hygiene and restaurants, including those inside accommodation health and safety hotels, to disclose to customers and food. It’ll save qualifications exactly how they manage their you a packet. under their belt. discretionary service charges Further up the If you’re waiting and non-cash tips. ladder, assistant tables, you managers can don’t need any command a salary between qualifications, but experience is £17,000 to £22,000 a year; and helpful. In fact, some employers managers can earn from £20,000 prefer this. to £35,000 a year, depending on Training courses the company and position. A recruitment and training Qualifications company such as Kubaba (kubaba. Firstly, if you want a management co.uk) can provide training role, or to be responsible for courses for anyone who want to selling alcohol, you’ll need a gain extra qualifications. Kubaba
rerepresentative Emine San says antipodeans and South Africans have the added advantage of being fluent in English – important for front-of-house positions. “Coming from a native English speaking country will gain extra points for job applicants,” she says. Convinced? Bar worker Unn, who came from an office environment in Australia, has found it “refreshing not to be stuck behind a desk five days a week”. She adds: “The social aspect is definitely the best part of working in this industry. I’m making new friends and getting to know the locals. Plus, getting hit on at least once a night isn’t bad!” ❚
Bonus: the tips can be good TNTMAGAZINE.COM
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