Northern Irish hospitality group the Galgorm Collection has announced the launch of a recruitment drive to hire over 180 new team members for a range of roles at its hotels and restaurants in Ballymena, Belfast and Templepatrick.
Galgorm stated on its website, "From chefs to bar tenders, spa therapists and managers, to facilities staff, housekeepers, drivers and night porters, the company behind the world renowned Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort said the roles will help to meet anticipated demand when the hospitality sector reopens in the coming months.
"Galgorm Collection said it is investing more than £5 million in annual wages creating the new roles, which include both full- and part-time positions and forms part of its advanced preparations for the full and safe reopening of its properties."
Galgorm added, "The world-renowned and multi-award-winning Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort, located in Ballymena, is set to hire an additional 94 team members across its accommodation, spa and restaurants. Recently named 'Best Spa Experience within the UK and Ireland' at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2021 and crowned Resort Spa of the Year at the World Spa & Wellness Awards 2020, the new hires will bolster its 720-strong team and build upon its award-winning credentials.
"In Belfast, 60 new team members will join Galgorm's two city centre restaurants, the iconic Café Parisien located in the former Robinson & Cleaver building, offering unrivalled views of Belfast City hall, and family favourite Fratelli's restaurant located in Great Victoria Street. The new roles include a mix of chefs, servers and food and beverage managers.
"An additional 26 team members will be recruited to support the opening of Galgorm Collection's newest venture, The Rabbit Hotel, located in Templepatrick. With a planned June opening, the new roles span across the hotel's front of house and accommodation offering as well as roles within its brand new spa area and popular restaurant and bar."
Galgorm Collection Managing Director Statement
Galgorm Collection managing director Colin Johnston stated, "I am absolutely thrilled to confirm more than 180 brand new jobs and to commence recruitment for a wide range of hospitality roles across our collection of properties. This new initiative will expand our team by an additional 25% and bring our total workforce to 900 team members.
"[This] announcement confirms our commitment to further developing our world-class hospitality provision and reaffirms our confidence in the sector's recovery. We are currently working towards an April start date for our first new team members and we look forward to the Executive confirming a reopening date for hospitality and tourism sector so that we can begin onboarding our new recruits and facilitating a return to work as soon as possible."
Northern Ireland Economy Minister Statement
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland economy minister Diane Dodds said, "I warmly welcome the jobs announcement made by Galgorm Collection today and their commitment to recovery. This is positive news and represents a strong foot forward in Northern Ireland collectively forging a path to recovery. The hospitality industry has faced unprecedented challenges over the last 12 months and our focus now is on ensuring a safe and sustainable reopening of the sector when the time is right. Galgorm has continued to demonstrate strong leadership for the industry and this announcement will provide a beacon of light for the rebuilding of the sector."
Tourism NI Chief Executive Statement
Tourism NI chief executive John McGrillen added, "The closure of the hospitality sector across Northern Ireland has been sorely felt and the full impact of this still remains to be seen. [This] announcement will provide a much-needed lifeline for many hospitality workers in an industry hard-hit by the pandemic and I hope this important announcement will help provide renewed confidence and momentum in working towards the sector's recovery."
© 2021 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
