Firms are hiring older staff – but that can’t fill the Brexit gap

Politicians have urged businesses to train up more domestic workers but Fuller’s says, even with its best efforts, it won’t plug holes in the labour market. Perhaps it’s time to listen, says James Moore

Claire Neale, 58, recently started a new role as a commis chef apprentice at Fuller’s pub the Cromwell Arms in Romsey, Hampshire (Fuller’s)

Time to raise a glass to Fuller Smith & Turner? The pub operator is in recovery mode, having posted a 33 per cent rise in full-year revenues and a healthy jump in profits to boot.

What’s in the glass? A pint of bitter probably. Fuller’s has this year increased drinks prices by 6.8 per cent and food prices by 8 per cent. But given the headline rates of inflation we’ve been seeing, it could have been worse. Take note of the reported squeeze in profit margins the group reported too. Not much sign of the “greedflation” that worries the Bank of England pumping up prices at this business.

Part of what has crimped its margins is that the group is paying higher wages – but despite this, it still struggles to find people. On this, Fuller’s is an example of a much wider issue that is afflicting the entire hospitality sector, which already has problems enough.