According to Be Inclusive Hospitality’s Careers in Hospitality: Removing Barriers to Progression report, the proportion of high earners has declined across all ethnicities, with Black and Asian employees experiencing ‘particularly sharp’ declines.
Additionally, part-time employment has increased disproportionately among Black and Asian employees, while White respondents’ full-time employment has remained more stable.
White employees have consistently held the highest representation in management roles. Focus group participants identified bias, favouritism, and a lack of transparency as some of the key barriers preventing ethnic minorities from progressing beyond entry-level roles.
Workplace racism remains an issue following reports of racism and discrimination in the workplace.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) training participation has remained low since 2021, though engagement among leaders and decision-makers has risen, with a consistently high appetite to access training from all respondents.
Cause for optimism
But BIH’s latest report did find cause for positivity with the majority of respondents - regardless of ethnicity - expressing optimism about career opportunities within the hospitality industry.
“This report reinforces what many already know – barriers to progression for ethnically diverse talent in hospitality persist. While there is optimism, the data reveals stark disparities in pay, opportunity, and access to career development,” says BIH founder and CEO Lorraine Copes.
“Change will not happen by chance; it requires intentional action from industry leaders to create equitable pathways for all. My hope is that this report serves as a catalyst for those in power to rethink their policies, practices, and commitment to inclusion.”
The Careers in Hospitality: Removing Barriers to Progression report is available to download now from BIH’s website.
A comprehensive analysis
BIH’s annual report is designed to provide ‘a comprehensive analysis of the challenges faced by ethnically diverse employees in the hospitality industry’.
The report draws on three years of Inside Hospitality survey data, along with newly-conducted focus groups and interviews, to offer vital insights into industry perceptions, pay disparities, career barriers, and lived experiences.
Over the past three years, BIH’s Inside Hospitality surveys have gathered more than 4,000 responses from employees across the UK, representing a diverse range of backgrounds and career levels.
To mark the release of this report, a launch event was held at Think Tank in the City of London bringing together 160 hospitality professionals to unveil key findings, participate in panel discussions, and engage in a Q&A session.
This year’s report has been funded by the Savoy Education Trust.
