Gavin Henson has said he will pay a new head chef up to £45,000 for a four day week in a desperate appeal for more staff at his pub and restaurant. The former Wales international bought the Fox and Hounds in St Brides Major in 2019.
The hospitality industry and suffered a shortage in staff since the start of the pandemic two years ago coincided with Brexit.
In an appeal on social media, the rugby-star-turned-landlord said: "I NEED A HEAD CHEF!!! Up to 45k, only open 4 days a week, over 6k tips per annum, Pension contribution. CASH REWARD FOR IMMINENT START. Open link below if interested. The Fox are looking for a creative and talented head chef with a genuine passion for creating memorable dishes."
An advert in The Caterer describes the pub as being in a "desirable location" in the Vale of Glamorgan, a stones throw from the beaches of Southerndown and Ogmore.
The advert says the position offers up to £45,000 per annum, with around £6,000 in tips, extra days will be paid for and there is a 25% discount off food and drink at The Fox. There is also a cash reward for "a successful candidate that can start imminently".
The advert adds: "The successful candidate will be joining a small family run business with a strong philosophy for work life balance, together we work as a team to achieve excellence in a supportive and fun environment." The hospitality industry is seeing staff shortages across many areas – from waiting staff, front of house staff to restaurant managers. And there seems to be a particularly acute shortage of chefs across the industry.
In Tenby, over the Easter break, many pubs and restaurants said they were having to operate reduced opening hours because of the shortages. You can read more about that here.
Hospitality businesses have struggled through coronavirus with forced shutdowns during two long lockdowns. This has meant many businesses having to furlough staff for prolonged periods. Many are reporting that staff have gone elsewhere and found other jobs. Many overseas workers have also returned home due to the complexities of Brexit.
