The government’s latest commitment to EU nationals after Brexit has been welcomed by UKinbound as it detailed how the tourism industry relies heavily on employees from outside the UK.
As many as 92% of members employ EU nationals with more than a third of stating EU migrants currently make up over half of their workforce.
UKinbound members cited language skills, customer service and specific country knowledge as the main benefits of employing EU nationals.
As many as 81% said that insufficient skills such as a foreign language and experience were key barriers to employing UK staff.
But members also reported that more than 20% of EU national employees have already left the UK because of the long-term uncertainty over their status.
And almost 50% are having difficulties recruiting EU staff because of Brexit.
UKinbound chief executive, Deirdre Wells OBE, said: “A skilled workforce that provides a warm welcome to guests, excellent customer service and cultural understanding is the backbone of our industry, and our members need the ability to seamlessly recruit UK and EU nationals that provide these skills in the long term.
“We welcome the prime minister’s reassuring words about the future status of EU nationals in her speech on Friday but further detail is needed as soon as possible if we are to retain and recruit employees.
“Our successful industry relies heavily on EU nationals and we will keep raising our concerns with government on behalf of our members who are very worried about the future of their businesses.”