Marvin OnumonuStaff shortages are set to continue in 2026 for UK restaurant owners, according to a recent survey by hospitality platform Toast with Expert Market.
Out of 400 restaurant owners questioned, 60% said they were concerned about labour shortages and staffing challenges in 2026.
Only 40% said they were not worried, showing most expect staff issues this year.
A previous survey by Toast in 2025 found half of 300 restaurant owners faced moderate to extreme hiring challenges last year.
National Insurance increases and immigration reforms in 2025 have added pressure, and staff shortages remain a main worry for restaurants.
Research from Toast also found that happy staff are five times more likely to stay in their jobs.
Chris Maillard, editor of Expert Market, said: “A shortage of experienced staff has long been a feature of the restaurant industry.
“The hard work and unsociable hours don’t appeal to everybody, so it’s good to see that operators are thinking about this and coming up with ways to professionalise the career to attract and keep employees.”
