An Italian fine-dining restaurant is so badly in need of staff that it offers to pay waiters $ 55 an hour, more than double the reward rate.

A shortage of workers caused by closed borders and a lack of backpackers due to Covid restrictions has led Zafferano in Perth to make a huge pay offer.

The West Perth restaurant’s online job posting says it will pay up to $ 55 an hour for “experienced”, “highly motivated” and “well-maintained” waiters.

During the pandemic, many restaurants in Perth paid more than what they were awarded, which range from $ 20 to $ 25, but $ 55 an hour is a sign of staff shortages at many establishments.

Bradley Woods, managing director of the Western Australia branch of the Australian Hotels Association, said the huge pay offer showed there was a jobs crisis in the hotel industry.

“Staff shortages are having a profound effect on hospitality locations across Western Australia and in turn have an inflationary impact on wages, a cost ultimately borne by the customer,” he told the West Australian.

“With a date now set for the WA border to reopen, we look forward to welcoming workers to the state so that we can alleviate the significant labor pressures felt in hotels, restaurants, bars. and WA pubs. ”

Zafferano’s ad indicated that it was a “well established” restaurant with a “reputation for good food and fabulous service” that was looking for staff with previous dining experience.

Cafes, restaurants and bars across Australia face significant staff shortages due to Covid-19

Successful applicants can expect to work approximately 40 hours per week, including every Friday and Saturday.

“This position would fit well with academic commitments, especially since we are right next to UWA and week shifts can be worked at your convenience,” the ad reads.

“Candidates should be well prepared, highly motivated, customer focused, and show a passion for food, wine and customer service.

“This is not a short-term position. You MUST be available on certain days of the week. Friday and Saturday definitely.

Perth (pictured) faces a staffing shortage in the hospitality industry due to Covid-19 border restrictions and a lack of backpackers

Last month, one of Sydney’s best restaurants – Rockpool Bar & Grill – was paying for dishwashers up to $ 90 an hour on a Friday and Saturday night due to a labor shortage.

Cafes, restaurants and bars across Australia are facing significant staff shortages due to Covid-19 border closures which have cut off the supply of foreign workers.

Sydney’s Aria Restaurant, owned by celebrity chef Matt Moran, is offering $ 100,000 in incentives to new employees applying for a position through login bonuses and refer a friend campaigns.

Both Aria and Cafe Sydney were forced to close on certain days during the Christmas period, which would otherwise have been unheard of.