Many industries were hit hard by the pandemic, one of which was the hotel and restaurant industry.
More than 50,000 people in the industry lost their jobs, of which about 1,900 in Östergötland.
Now many have retrained and changed careers, which leads to a shortage of staff for hotels now that visitor pressure is rising.
- You really scream for competence and more hands and feet in the industry, says Maria Björk Hummelgren.
High unemployment
Despite the hotels screaming for staff, there is a high level of unemployment.
According to a press release from the East Swedish Chamber of Commerce, 17,000 have unemployment benefits from the hotel and restaurant union.
Maria Björk Hummelgren believes that there are several factors behind it.
- In part, you need to get the status up, so that people see that it is not just bad working hours, she says.
The East Swedish Chamber of Commerce sees the hotel and restaurant industry as a gateway to the market for young people and foreign-born.
39 of the workforce in the industry are born in another country.
More internships and more training efforts are believed to be the key to attracting more people to the industry.
- It is important that young people and people who have not been in the industry open their eyes and apply here, says Maria Björk Hummelgren.
Hear Maria Björk Hummelgren tell more in the clip about the challenges and how the industry should meet them.