AT present, almost 1,400 Islanders are registered as out of work and of that number almost a quarter are teenagers. These figures might suggest that very few jobs are available – which would not be altogether surprising given the generally depressed state of the economy.

But the real picture seems to be less straightforward. Some employers, notably from the hospitality industry, are saying that they have jobs to offer, especially now that the tourist season is about to begin. However, they also say that there appears to be little appetite among Jersey people seeking work for positions in hotels or restaurants and other catering outlets.

It is of course true that for many years our hospitality sector has relied on labour drawn largely from outside the Island. It is equally true that the sector can, at least in the short term, rely on workers from Eastern Europe and other places to fill vacancies.

In spite of this, many hoteliers, restaurateurs and other caterers would be more than happy to see local people – especially young people – enter a business which they are confident has much to offer. Yet it seems that many jobseekers have a blind spot as far as hospitality is concerned, seeing it as the poor relation of the finance industry with its reputation for well-paid work and career development potential.

It is also probable that rates of pay in hospitality which, it must be admitted, are not the highest, are having a deterrent effect and are possibly convincing some people that they are almost as well off receiving income support until the job of their dreams comes up.

Unfortunately, the days when school-leavers could simply step into bank or trust jobs without experience or excellent qualifications are gone. It would therefore make sense for those looking for work to be more flexible and to accept that other paths to rewarding careers are there for the taking.

Meanwhile, jobseekers might draw inspiration from places such as France and Italy, where the skills associated with hospitality services are valued and waiters, professional kitchen staff and sommeliers take great pride in what they do and how well they do it.

In addition, anyone choosing a hospitality career should realise this – there is every reason to look beyond the bottom rung of the ladder. A great many managers now in senior roles began their working lives in relatively humble positions.