Falling unemployment and a strengthening UK economy mean that 60 per cent of businesses in the hospitality and leisure sector are planning to increase wages in the year ahead, according to a new employment survey.

The Barclays Employers Survey 2015, which questioned 666 UK businesses across all sectors, revealed the fact that wage growth has been outstripping inflation in recent months has led to the positive business outlook. It also found that around half (49 per cent) of hospitality and leisure operators are expecting to boost staff levels in 2015, up from 47 per cent last year.

Despite the sunnier outlook, the report also found that the sector is experiencing more shortages within skilled trade roles than most other sectors (70 per cent compared to 54 per cent overall). Analysing the type of role that hospitality and leisure businesses are looking to create over the next year, there is a marked increase in jobs at senior management level, with a jump to 47 per cent, from 27 per cent last year. Among businesses looking to increase staff levels, the survey also reports a hike in those looking to recruit at a low/unskilled level, up to 100 per cent from 66 per cent in 2014.

“As confidence returns to the sector, it is reassuring to see businesses looking to recruit across a range of roles,” said Mike Saul, head of Hospitality & Leisure at Barclays.

“That said, access to labour is clearly a growing issue for many. With further Barclays research forecasting that by 2017, total expenditure by domestic and overseas consumers in the UK will reach over £135bn, it is imperative that businesses have the right people in the right jobs to ensure they are well-positioned for these future growth opportunities.”