The owner of Pompei’s in Bondi is one of many restaurateurs throwing cash and other incentives at young people in a bid to attract workers.

Pompei’s has been forced to stay closed on Mondays and for weekday lunches, due to a staff shortage.

George Pompei is offering summer dishwashers, waiters and cooks an extra $2000 when they come on board, but has had little success even with the sweetener.

“We’ve had a pretty slow response,” he told Jim Wilson.

“We’ve had about six or seven inquiries that I’ve spoken to on the phone to organise a time to interview, but none of those have actually turned up.”

While government support payments may be part of the issue, he said, the loss of international students and working holiday visa holders is mostly to blame.

Press PLAY below to hear his story in full

Restaurant and Catering Industry Association CEO Wes Lambert told Jim attracting staff is “certainly the number one issue” in hospitality.

“We’ve heard of businesses paying way above the award; in some cases up to $45 an hour … when the award is just $25.”

With over 84,000 hospitality jobs currently advertised on one platform alone, Mr Lambert is urging the federal government to reopen the international border as soon as possible.

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Image: Getty