BHA calls for phasing of immigration curbs

The British Hospitality Association (BHA) wants to see the newly elected government reduce the number of immigrants from the EU over a 10-year period, to allow time for the recruitment of UK workers.

The BHA, which represents the UK's fourth largest industry employing more than 4.5 million people, has sent a ‘manifesto' to the major political parties outlining the need to prioritise hospitality and tourism. It asked for immigration targets to be evidence-based and draws on a report from KPMG which concluded that an extra 60,000 EU workers are required annually to keep the hospitality sector growing in the UK.

During the course of the 10-year strategy, the BHA said that the new government should support the industry to encourage more British people to view hospitality as a career of choice.

It also recommends that tourism VAT on accommodation and attractions be cut from 20% to 5%, that the National Living Wage be set by the Low Pay Commission and not by political parties and that there be "a fundamental and immediate review of business rates systems".

Ufi Ibrahim (pictured), chief executive of the BHA, said: "We recognise that immigration policy needs to change but we need time to find and recruit UK workers. We have already sent the Government our 10-year plan for this to happen and are keen to help the next administration to reposition our industry as a great place to work and use every opportunity to support the sector."

Facing the future: the BHA's Ufi Ibrahim outlines plans for a better Brexit >>

BHA round-up: A manifesto for a new government >>

BHA warns government over post-Brexit hospitality workforce >>

Videos from The Caterer archives

Are you looking for a new role? See all the current hospitality vacancies available with The Caterer Jobs