Fremantle businesses Emily Taylor and Sailing for Oranges offering accommodation to entice workers

A Fremantle employer is offering a one-stop solution to housing and employment shortages being felt all across Perth and particularly for hospitality workers. The owners of businesses Emily Taylor and Sailing for Oranges are providing discount all-inclusive accommodation for people who will take on a few days a week of work at one of their many venues. The venues’ director of hospitality, Tim Buckton, said the opportunity was “simply the result of a fortunate situation”. “The (accommodation) is owned by the Hougoumont Hotel and will form part of a stage 2 development of the hotel,” he said. “Prior to redevelopment, the directors of the Hougoumont have made (the rooms) available to staff of the Hougoumont, Warders Hotel, Emily Taylor bar and kitchen and Sailing for Oranges.” With rooms from as little as $150 per week, Mr Buckton said it was a cheaper than typical backpacker accommodation. People visiting Fremantle are charged about $70 a night for a private room or $490 a week to stay at a hostel. Mr Buckton said he already had about 30 enquiries for the eight rooms since making the deal available to staff. “Staying with us in your own room is less than a typical backpackers and less crowded with one or two people in each room. All bills, linen and cleaning are included,” he said. “This is ideal for people who may be travelling or people who wish to live in Freo for a summer period or while they study. “They also secure guaranteed work with us in one of our three businesses, as well as comfortable accommodation below current market rates.” Mr Buckton also said employees would not be subject to a specified time lease agreement but if they moved on from their employment, they would also have to find a new place to live. “We wish to secure the services of the best possible staff who are travelling or looking for a base in Fremantle with the flexibility to come and go as they please,” Mr Buckton said. “Should they wish to leave us to continue their travel, they can do so. It is merely an option for accommodation while they travel. “Of course if they wish to be employed (with us) and live elsewhere, that is an option.” While the accommodation deal is available only until work on the hotel expansion begins — which is in a few years, according to Mr Buckton— he encouraged other businesses with the means to consider packaging a live-and-work offer for their staff. “I think it’s a great way to ensure travellers have a positive working and lifestyle experience in Fremantle or any other location, and it secures them guaranteed work,” he said. “In remote locations, this sort of live and work offering is not uncommon. Maybe not so common in Fremantle. We’ll give it a try and see how it goes.”