Our editor became just a little over-excited on hearing that DoubleTree by Hilton were introducing…

CH&CO launch new staff benefits
Hospitality catering specialists CH&CO have announced enhanced family benefits for every employee across the group.
Under the new family-friendly procedure, employees on maternity and adoption leave will be offered 10 weeks full pay, followed by Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) / Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP). Employees returning from such leave will receive a bonus equivalent to two weeks full pay after one month.
Also included is two weeks paid paternity leave for fathers and partners. CH&CO is championing the Shared Parental Leave option for fathers and partners to take some or the majority of the first year with a new baby, with payment enhanced to eight weeks full pay followed by Shared Parental Pay.
Charlotte Hutchings, Group People Director, CH&CO, says: “The pandemic and Brexit have exacerbated the people shortage in hospitality, with people leaving the industry and country. We all have a responsibility to make careers in hospitality appealing and supportive and we’ve enhanced our employee benefits proposition to show our teams and future employees how valued they are.
“We want to be one of the best companies to work for and to attract and retain talented individuals. We also want our people to know that we genuinely care about them. That’s why we’re putting our money where our mouth is through our people and culture transformation and in particular, the range of benefits we offer that supports and encourages a good work-life balance.
“It’s important that our benefits reflect our diverse and inclusive culture, and this can be seen in the new family-friendly procedure that exceeds the expected statutory offer to support all our people whatever their family circumstances and needs may be.” CH&CO holds a Royal Warrant for catering services to HM The Queen. At The London Venue and Catering Awards 2021 the team and its portfolio of iconic London venues collected eight awards, including Best Catering Team and Best Catering Company Covid-19 Response.