Reactions to the national living wage in hospitality

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore reactions to the introduction by the UK Government of the National Living Wage (NLW) in the UK hospitality sector and consider implications for the status of employee relations. Design/methodology/approach In-depth interviews were conducted with senior industry representatives of the hospitality sector in the UK. Findings Concerns surrounding an increase in the wage bill, in maintaining pay differentials and in shifting employment to youth were confirmed. Managers expressed ambiguity in face of the legislation, offering agreement at a personal level with the rationale underpinning the NLW, but also expressing concern about impacts on their businesses. Research limitations/implications This exploratory study offers the basis for further research in understanding the foundation of employee relations in hospitality. Social implications A reconsideration of the nature of the employment relationship is key at a time of growing concerns about the business-society relationship. Originality/value Uses reactions to the UK Government’s stipulation of a NLW to explore the basis of employee relations in the hospitality sector. This is timely where work to date in hospitality has largely focussed on symptoms but not causes of poor working conditions.