Hospitality Action unveils Employee Assistance Programme

Industry charity Hospitality Action has officially unveiled its Employee Assistance Programme, designed to support the 3 million people working in this trade across the UK. The scheme, which has been gradually rolling out since April 2013, is aiming to provide expert help and assistance to those in crisis or need and it has already attracted some of the biggest names in the industry. The latest to sign up is Whitbread PLC, the owners of Costa Coffee and Premier Inn and they join the likes of Red Carnation Hotels, CH & Co, Ed’s Easy Diners, Calcot Manor and the Vineyard at Stockcross. Penny Moore, Hospitality Action chief executive, said: “Personal issues and problems can have a major impact on the way people work, and this can potentially become a significant business cost, due to a decrease in productivity and an unbalanced working environment. “Our experience shows that many small problems if nipped in the bud can be prevented from escalating, and this is exactly what our

Close Message - I might contribute in the future

I love what you do, let me contribute right now

EAP has been designed to address.” More than 70,000 employees from 30 companies are now able to access specialist and confidential advice all year round with more than 1,500 hospitality workers already benefiting from EAP. The service is a proactive, fully supported, totally confidential scheme that includes advice, web chats, counselling, legal information, hardship grants, addiction support and mediation. Patrick Dempsey OBE, Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants Managing Director, said: “Hospitality Action’s EAP has been developed by hospitality industry experts to suit the needs of employees within our demanding industry. “At Whitbread we carried out a trial of the scheme with 4,000 of our employees and experienced a high level of employee usage with very positive feedback from management and staff regarding the service and advice given.” For more information on how EAP could support your workplace, contact Camilla Woods on [email protected]

Small Contribution. Big Impact.

The Staff Canteen has always been more than a website—it’s a community, built by and for hospitality. We share the wins, the challenges, the graft, and the inspiration that keeps kitchens alive.

We believe in staying open to everyone, but creating this content takes real resources. If you’ve ever found value here—whether it’s a recipe, an interview, or a laugh when you needed it most—consider giving just £3 to keep it going.

A little from you keeps this space free for all. Let’s keep lifting the industry, together.