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Â鶹ÊÓƵ is launching a hospitality academy to get job candidates recruitment-ready ahead of the summer season.

It will provide targeted employment and skills support to help the sector bounce back from the impact of the pandemic.

The hospitality sector accounts for 10 per cent of the Borough's business base, employing 3,500 people, with one in three aged between 18 and 24.

Firms have just been consulted via a survey about the type of support they would like to receive, and the feedback will be used to shape the academy's pre-employment programme.

Cllr Mark Walsh, Lead Member for Regeneration and Economy, said: "Hospitality was hit particularly hard by the lockdowns and restrictions and has found it difficult to recover because of staffing shortages and increased operating costs.

"The sector plays a really important role in the Borough's economy and is a big employer of our young people, so it's vital that we provide support.

"We've carried out a survey with hospitality businesses which has helped us identify barriers to growth.

"We'll use this feedback and will invite interested employers to help us design the programme according to what businesses have told us they want and need.

"The first cohort will consist of to 20 people who will be coached and guaranteed an interview at the end of the course.

"The academy will help the council deliver on two of its key priorities: creating the conditions for recovery and investment, and supporting hospitality."

The academy will be delivered by South Tyneside Works, the borough's dedicated employment and skills hub.

The launch will coincide with the end of the Kickstart programme for 18-24-year-olds and the introduction of the Way to Work initiative by the Department for Work and Pensions to support people into work more quickly.