Demand for employment in this sector in the region increased by 7.9% in the census period 2001 to 2006. Increases reflect the trend to eat out and to buy prepared or partially prepared food.

At a national level, forecasts for employment growth are slightly above average for all sectors. Growth is expected to be strongest in pubs, taverns and bars, and cafes and bars. These projections do not take the current global economic crisis into account.

Key employment in this sector in the region is in food and beverage and accommodation.

This industry has 33.4% of its workforce aged 45 years and over
72.8% of its workforce is female.
38% of the workforce is in full time work.
The majority of accommodation, café and restaurant enterprises within the region have less than 20 employees.

Likely future workforce picture:

Moderate growth in demand, particularly in the southern part of the region leading to the need for a greater number of skilled workers.
Based on moderate increased demand from 2001 to 2006, 200 additional jobs is a reasonable target for this sector in the next 5 years.