A warning has been issued for holidaymakers heading off to sunny Spain as they could be faced with closed to bars and shuttered restaurants when they arrive due to waiter shortages. Staff shortages in Benidorm have already caused a number of businesses to close early or even shut for whole days.
This has hit the popular holiday spot in the run up to the summer holidays which would usually see the number of holidaymakers to the destination surge. And it comes as industry chiefs reportedly warn there could be around 4,000 vacancies already in Benidorm.
However, due to a combination of factors, the jobs reportedly aren’t being filled and there are concerns that only half of them will be taken up by the summer. The issue of hiring staff, some claim, is not due to pay, and a representative for the bars and restaurants told The Sun that a Benidorm waiter could typically take home just over £1,200 with tips, The Mirror reports.
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However, the Spanish government has specifically said that low pay, along with poor working conditions and long hours have contributed to the worker shortages. Others pointed to the cost of living in a popular tourist resort as a restaurant worker's salary would not be enough for them to both pay their accommodation and afford to live an enjoyable life.
However, Benidorm isn’t the only place in Spain to suffer from such an issue. Last month, Spain’s entire hospitality sector had 17,000 jobs on offer which was around six times more than last year. This comes after Brits on holiday in Spain are, or they could face some hefty fines of up to £85,000.
The Foreign Office subsequently updated its travel advice for Spain, after "a number of serious accidents" have occurred at the unauthorised gatherings, often taking place in private homes or villas in the holiday hotspots such as Majorca and Ibiza. The British Embassy in Spain has warned that not only are these parties not allowed, but they are common across the islands and heavy fines of up to £85,000 are being handed out to those who attend.
In its updated advice, the Foreign Office warns: "There have been a number of serious accidents involving people attending irregular commercially promoted parties in villas and private homes on the islands of Ibiza and Mallorca. Licensed clubs and bars are required to meet safety and security standards, including emergency exits and capacity limits, and to have trained, licensed security staff.
"Irregular commercial parties may not meet these standards. You should take care of your belongings, ensure you know where emergency exits are located and not take unnecessary risks. Heavy fines may be imposed by local authorities to anyone attending irregular commercial parties."
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