"Just like the elves in Harry Potter": Room attendants in United Kingdom hotels

Book section

As part of the hospitality sector, the hotel industry is a significant contributor to the United Kingdom's economy. Although estimates are difficult because of a lack of definitive statistics, the hotel industry's annual turnover was as high as £27 billion (US$52.5 billion) in 2006, according to the British Hospitality Association (Caterer and Hotelkeeper 2006). The industry is diverse, including bedand-breakfast establishments, budget, midrange, and luxury hotels. Because of volatile markets and intense competition over recent years, it has undergone significant change, with ownership internationalizing, companies restructuring, and market segmentation deepening. Significantly, mergers and acquisitions have created an industry increasingly shaped by branded national and international hotels.

Authors: Dutton, E; Warhurst, C; Lloyd, C; James, S; Commander, J

• Publisher: Russell Sage Foundation
• Host title: Low-Wage Work in the United Kingdom
• Pages: 96-130
• Publication date: 2008-01-01