Representatives of some of the UK’s best known leisure businesses were brought together this week by People 1st to develop solutions to the industry’s skills issues.

Delegates from companies including Carluccio’s, Malmaison and Whitbread gave their expertise on issues such as kite-marking employers, verification of skills and qualifications and poor management and leadership.

The meeting came about following the results of the Skills Needs Assessment research – due to be published in January – which highlighted the issues facing the leisure sector.

“Staff turnover costs the sector £886m a year,” said Brian Wisdom, CEO of People 1st. “With inspirational and dedicated leaders we have the potential to change the perception of the UK as a customer service provider.”

A summit chaired by tourism minister James Purnell will be held in January at which the first draft of a unified skills strategy will be presented. This will be followed in March 2007 by the completion of the Sector Skills Agreement, the contract made with the government and education on behalf of industry.