ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the broader context in which the hospitality industry operates and the resulting impact on its workforce. The fast-changing environment of contemporary times provides many challenges for the sector, with developments such as the ‘gig’ economy, recruitment and training difficulties, gender issues, the use of social media and in the UK, the outcomes of Brexit and departure from the European Union. There is consideration of how the industry itself is developing structurally and internationally, in terms of brands, business formats and in reaction to consumer trends. The chapter reviews the economic contribution of the industry and the characteristics of the workforce, factors that are key in framing human resource management (HRM) policies and practices. The industry is faced with a range of challenges, from negativity of reputation as an employer to concerns over staffing and skills shortages, labour turnover and employee relations. The quality of HRM within the sector will therefore be critical and this book seeks to make a contribution to improved practice across the industry.
