In a post-COVID world, staffing challenges in hospitality have only intensified. From local cafés and school kitchens to contract catering and event venues, employers across Essex are struggling to find and retain the people needed to keep their operations running smoothly.
The problem isn’t just shortages it’s suitability. Poor cultural fit, last-minute no-shows, or lack of training can turn a busy lunch service into a reputational crisis.
At Midwest Services Essex, we work closely with hospitality providers to supply trained, reliable staff who show up prepared and stay when it matters most.
What’s Behind the Shortfall?
According to data from the UKHospitality sector, job vacancies in catering remain among the highest across the UK workforce. Key contributing factors include:
- A drop in long-term applicants for kitchen and food service roles
- Increased demand for flexible shift patterns from workers
- Ongoing compliance concerns around hygiene, allergens, and food safety
This leaves employers scrambling to cover rotas often at the last minute or scaling back service just to maintain standards.
What We Provide at Midwest
We’ve designed a catering and hospitality staffing model that directly addresses the realities faced by employers in Essex:
Pre-trained, ready-to-work staff:
We provide kitchen porters, catering assistants, chefs, and front-of-house personnel with:
- Food hygiene certificates
- Customer service experience
- Awareness of allergen management and food safety regulations
Fast turnaround:
Most clients receive staff within 24 to 48 hours whether for a short-term event or a permanent kitchen post.
Tailored support:
From schools and care homes to large-scale banqueting, we understand how staffing needs shift depending on the environment. We place with purpose not guesswork.
“Catering assistants at work in a commercial kitchen in Essex.”
Final Thought
A catering team is only as strong as its weakest shift. In a fast-paced industry where quality and timing matter, staffing is not just an HR task it’s a service essential.
Midwest Services Essex helps employers across hospitality and contract catering keep kitchens running and guests satisfied with fewer disruptions, better fit, and confidence in compliance.
Contact Midwest Services Essex
📞 020 3370 5950