Shortage of retail and restaurant workers becoming acute

Some of the most entry-level of jobs are now getting harder to fill, as a skills shortage grips certain industries.

Both retailers and the fast-growing hospitality sector are reporting difficulties getting the right staff.

In Otago’s Moeraki, acclaimed restauranteur Fleur Sullivan was struggling to get visas for chefs and kitchen staff at Christmas because no Kiwis were coming to her aid.

And in Whanganui recently, a fast food outlet had to close its restaurant because there were not enough staff to cover shifts…readmore