Brexit: Investment in Customer Experience

With the October 31st deadline approaching and more local MPs and businesses speaking out against plans to limit migrant workers.

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), the committee that advises the Government on immigration policy, proposed a £30,000 minimum salary in order for EU migrants to remain in the UK. And, despite the UK Hospitality’s proposal that the threshold be lowered to £22,000, this is still £5,000 higher than the average earnings of local EU workers.

Speaking on the matter, Cumbrian Chamber chief executive Rob Johnston said: “We don’t like the concept of a £30,000 salary floor but, if it is implemented, there should be exemptions for food processing and hospitality businesses.”

The Government are now meeting to determine which laws will be passed through to allow a smooth exit from the EU, which means answers to how Brexit will actually impact Cumbrian tourism should not be far away. However, local MPs, businesses and experts are formulating plans to keep Lake District tourism running efficiently no matter the outcome.

One way local bodies are planning on improving post-Brexit prospects is through education. Dr Angela Anthonisz, Principal Lecturer in Tourism Management at the University of Cumbria recognised that “Workforce challenges are a huge issue for the tourism sector, exacerbated by... outdated perceptions of careers in the tourism and hospitality industry.” Local leaders have agreed that with the possible departure of nearly half their workforce, it’s imperative businesses invest in UK nationals.

Through a collaborative degree and post-grad prospects, the University of Cumbria wish to showcase how a career in tourism can “evolve into a highly paid and exciting career with international opportunities, whether that’s within hospitality or events management, health and wellbeing, visitor attractions, retail and so on.”

Due to concerns over employment rates, businesses are looking to upskill staff, focusing on productivity and relationships with international visitors. This is in an effort to decrease the amount of workers required, so that businesses can remain viable should the area lose the EU workforce.

By investing in local workers either through offering education, on the job training, or continual upskilling, the tourist experience of Cumbria could remain stable.