The growing numbers of unemployed young people should take advantage of the opportunities in the hospitality sector, according to recruiters.

This week the Office for National Statistics showed that unemployment for 18-to-24-year-olds was 731,000 in the three months to July 2009, up 36,000 (5%) from the three months to April 2009.

Kate McCarthy, managing director at McCarthy Recruitment, told Recruiter that hospitality is a great sector for young people to enter and get grass roots training.

“I think hospitality allows young people to work hard and get a career. A lot of people who have gone to university may well have experience in that sector working part time. It is about making a choice and getting a career. It may not be their ideal choice but I think once people get in there, they can see the benefit of the skills they can learn within the sector.”

Gary King, director at Collins King & Associates, adds: “Hospitality still offers lot of employment opportunities, whether it be bar work or waiting work. The sector is starting to emerge and companies are starting to recruit again. There are opportunities for young people coming out of university.”