The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has responded to government plans to cap immigration from outside the European Economic Area by warning that hospitality skills gaps still need to be filled.

According to the REC’s hospitality sector group, 19% of current vacancies are proving hard to fill, while only 10% of hotel managers and 6% of restaurant and catering managers having qualifications at managerial level.

Suzanne Letting, REC hospitality chair, said: “We realise that immigration is an issue that needs tackling. However,  the government needs to address the major issue of skills shortages in hospitality. The diverse nature of the UK hospitality sector is vital to its success and its opportunities to grow. Any immigration policies limiting the number of staff with the in-demand skills will have a direct impact on the already hard pressed hospitality industry. 

“With big events such as the Olympics coming up, the demand for staff will only increase so we need to ensure that our young people are trained and ready to take on these jobs if immigration routes are closed.”