Recruiters have a “huge” role in helping hospitality graduates enter the industry to fill increasing numbers of hotel management positions, according to Martin-Christian Kent, director of policy and research at hospitality, travel and leisure Sector Skills Council People 1st.

Kent was speaking at the launch of the Hospitality Employment Index, compiled by People 1st and industry careers site Caterer.com.

The index reveals numbers of hotel management positions have risen by 20% since Q1 2010. The report anticipates that the migration cap, introduced by government last month, will make it much more difficult for employers to recruit hotel managers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to fill this talent gap.

The findings also show the number of jobs posted this quarter rose 10% on Q4 2010, while the traditional shortage of chefs continues to plague the sector.

To hear what Kent had to say, click on the video below: