Where's My Latte?
With all the major parties participating in the recent TV debates, it was disappointing that not one of them mentioned the potentially disastrous effect that a hard Brexit may have on the hospitality industry.
According to the latest figures from Fourth Analytics, 43% of those currently working in the hospitality sector in the UK are foreign nationals. The immediate impact on the industry, if these employees are not guaranteed the right to remain, is clear: Almost half the current workforce will disappear.
Perhaps more worryingly is the medium-term post Brexit picture. Hospitality is known for its relatively high turnover, so after another cycle of churn who's going to serve you your latte? Who's going to cook your ramen?
One particularly enlightened suggestion from immigration minister Robert Goodwill, would be to impose a £1000 levy per non-UK employee. One wishes his suggestions were more in line with his surname.
