The EU youth mobility scheme will be on the table for the first EU-UK summit in February 2025, as Brussels looks to agree a deal with the UK to encourage the freedom of movement for young people across the English Channel.
Such an initiative would benefit the UK’s hospitality sector – while contributing £93 billion annually to the economy, it continues to grapple with significant staffing shortages, with vacancies 48% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Despite the Prime Minister’s current reluctance to come to an agreement with the EU, the scheme would combat understaffing, costs, and develop a perception of hospitality as a skilled profession in the UK. Embracing this would do much to invigorate our hospitality industry.
Grappling with staff shortages
Hospitality staffing has been facing increasing challenges – since Brexit negotiations in 2019, approximately 120,000 EU workers have left the industry, creating a substantial skills gap. Furthermore, the minimum annual salary rise for sponsored skilled workers in April 2024 rose from £26,200 to £38,700, severely limiting the pool of eligible candidates for many hospitality roles. This was estimated to affect around 95% of hospitality migrant workers in the UK – and the simultaneous revision of the shortage occupation list has further constrained recruitment efforts. Key roles like chefs and hospitality supervisors remain missing from the list, creating barriers for international recruitment.
Burgh’s position as an iconic hotel and recognition for being an employee-first business has meant we can mitigate these challenges, but many hospitality businesses that are less renowned are struggling to attract highly skilled workers. Government action to help fill these staffing gaps is much needed, and a youth mobility scheme that encourages young, skilled Europeans to work flexibly in the UK could be the boost the industry is waiting for.
Continental culture
Facilitating the entry of young Europeans into the UK hospitality workforce can fill critical staffing gaps, ensuring businesses operate at full capacity. The UK has successful youth mobility schemes with 13 countries, allowing for the exchange of cultures, knowledge, entrepreneurship, and innovation, enriching the lives of young people – and allow UK citizens to experience life in other countries, supporting them in turn. A recent 2024 poll found that almost two-thirds of Brits believe that the Government should negotiate a youth mobility scheme with the EU.
There is a lot for us to learn from the continent, too. Unfortunately, hospitality continues to remain viewed as ‘unqualified labour for inexperienced staff’, and only 5% of young adults in the UK consider pursuing a career in hospitality, despite making up 20% of the workforce. Yet, European apprenticeship models and esteemed institutions, such as the ESO Euroschool Hotel Academy and the EHL Hospitality Business School, exemplify the high standards of hospitality training. These are schools that our staff at Burgh have studied at, and a mobility scheme could see UK workers gain valuable experience abroad, or alternatively, see skilled continental workers bring their talent to the UK.
A well-implemented mobility scheme could boost the UK economy by increasing employment, consumer spending, and tourism, while strengthening international ties and fostering more cross-cultural exchange. This would altogether enrich the UK’s hospitality offerings, restoring our nation’s pride in service, and attract a more diverse clientele.
A call for a policy push
While the hospitality sector has grown over the course of 2024, seeing its first quarter-on-quarter growth since mid-2022 in Q2 2024, 2024’s Autumn Budget has created additional pressures for many businesses. Increases in employer National Insurance (NI) contributions and minimum wage, while decreasing business rates relief, has added further costs for many businesses already struggling to manage.
More support for the hospitality sector is essential, and it is imperative for policymakers to reconsider the potential benefits of an EU-UK youth mobility scheme, balancing immigration control with the pressing needs of the hospitality sector. This would provide apprenticeships and cultural exchange that could upskill our nation’s workers, and revitalise the UK’s hospitality industry, making it more resilient, professional, and globally competitive.
A self-confessed serial entrepreneur, Giles Fuchs, owner of the Burgh Island Hotel, works tirelessly to create both financial and strategic opportunities for the business. Starting his first company at just 22 years old, Giles has developed a strong portfolio of business and management expertise, which is evidently apparent in his leadership of Burgh Island. He is also a keen sportsman, which has translated into a desire to foster and maintain a brilliant team ethos throughout the hotel, something which makes Burgh both a fantastic holiday destination but also a brilliant place to work.