Hospitality sector calls for EU workers to be protected under Brexit

Brexit should not prevent EU workers, many of whom work in the UK hospitality sector, from being able to work here, according to two industry bodies.

The British Hospitality Association (BHA) and the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) have both called for the Brexit deal to take account of the sector’s labour needs; hundreds of thousands of EU workers currently work in tourism and hospitality in this country.

Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the BHA, said: “It is crucial for the hospitality and tourism industry – the UK’s fourth largest sector – that EU migrants continue to be welcomed into our country.

“Without EU workers, our industry will be unable to welcome visitors from home and abroad and keep the UK going.”

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of the ALMR, said: “The Prime Minister has repeatedly stated that securing the right to remain for EU workers is vital and this must remain a priority for our sector…securing the right to remain for our enormously valuable team members is crucial to the ongoing success of the UK’s hospitality sector.”

Heath Thomas, head of Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ licensing and regulatory team, said: “The hospitality sector is especially vulnerable to changing employment conditions; licensees and managers will be thinking about how their own staffing situations might be affected by what Brexit brings. We have a specialist employment team who can advise employers, and their employees, upon the implications of Brexit. I urge all employers to seek advice now to ensure the continuity of their business post Brexit”.

“Licensees must also make sure that they are complying with the existing employment  rules on migrant workers – if you are in any doubt, we can advise and support you.”