AN amazing total of 800 new pub jobs have been created in Bolton in the past TWO years.

And one employment expert says Bolton's entire economy is switching from manufacturing to leisure.

The figure is set to rise as more pubs and bars are opened in the town and longer opening hours are introduced.

Contrast

The news - revealed by Jobcentre officials - is in stark contrast to the gloom that has swept the town since the Littlewoods catalogue shopping empire announced nearly 600 job losses this week.

But industry experts say the traditional image of bar work as "too much for too little pay" means some people are calling time on pub jobs, causing a shortage of labour.

Kathy Walker, marketing manager at Bolton Jobcentre, said: "There have just been so many during the past two years.

"It seems the entire economy of Bolton is changing from manufacturing to leisure."

The leisure industry, which has a national turnover of £50 billion, already represents a large chunk of the total business in Bolton.

Pubs, bars and eateries have mushroomed across Bolton.

They have sprung up at the Middlebrook Retail Park in Horwich, the brand-new Tonge Valley Centertainment complex in Astley Bridge as well as in the town centre where many established pubs have also expanded and had refurbishments.

The British Institute of Innkeeping says the pub industry is fighting off its "sweat-shop" image by creating a properly structured career ladder with qualifications available in hospitality, management and food.

Maureen Hefferman, the BII's head of careers said: "A career in the industry is generally perceived to be poorly rewarded and this has resulted in a labour shortage. "A lot of young people don't seem to view it as a serious career option."

She added: "The competition to attract quality employees is fierce. This has resulted in a workforce of young, dynamic, highly-paid super-publicans."

With pubs and cafes fighting for the few people applying for jobs, working standards have improved.

Managers nationally can earn anything from £15,000 to £80,000 a year and most bosses offer incentives including bonuses, pensions, commission and training.

Sara Patterson, aged 25, assistant manager at the Weatherspoon's pub, The Spinning Mule in Nelson Square, has advanced to senior level from lowly kitchen assistant in just three years.

She even met her partner Tim Watkins, 22, when he was a glass collector, at work.

The couple, who live on Chorley Old Road, have recently been promoted and are now going to run their own Weatherspoon's pub in Urmston.

Sara said: "It's a brilliant job. The whole career structure is there for you. It's easy to advance if it's what you want to do. You just have to grab it."

Some of the jobs in leisure as well as many other industries will be detailed at a Job Fair being held on February 6 at Blackhorse Street Jobcentre, Bolton.

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