Lack of Perthshire housing ‘biggest factor’ in hospitality staff shortages

Highland Perthshire SNP member Mike Williamson said housing, ahead of both Brexit and Covid-19, is the “biggest single factor” causing some businesses to temporarily close or reduce their service.

Speaking to the Perthshire Advertiser, Cllr Williamson said he heard there were as many as 18 vacancies for chefs across Highland Perthshire at one point. While he acknowledged that there were “less staff to cover these jobs” because of Brexit, he added: “The biggest single factor is a lack of accommodation to house staff. The lack of accommodation is contributing to what happened pre-Covid.”

Labour councillor Alasdair Bailey also pointed to a need for more affordable housing in rural Perthshire.

Speaking on behalf of the council’s Independent and Labour group, he said: “Between us we hear of far too many people on low incomes having to travel long distances for work because housing close to workplaces is too expensive, especially in the popular tourist areas.”