Reacting to today's Government announcements on migration regulation, Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said:

"Whilst the hospitality sector continues to work hard to recruit and train staff from the domestic workforce, the Government's changes to the immigration system which will make the recruitment of skilled overseas workers harder and will be a blow for many pub businesses. This will compound the existing shortage of chefs and kitchen staff in hospitality, and hold back sector growth, as the salary increase will make it untenable for many businesses to recruit from overseas alongside the associated costs and complexities that apply alongside this.

"The Government need to consider ways to reduce the overall costs and complexities of the immigration system, recognising that many businesses in this sector are SMEs and a balanced immigration strategy that addresses concerns on overall numbers but also fuels growth and supports British businesses.

"As we enter the festive season, staff shortages in pubs can be exacerbated and skilled roles such as chefs and kitchen staff can be even harder to recruit the best staff.

"We support the Government's ambition of expanding the Youth Mobility Scheme, but this must be done at pace. We also need greater flexibility in the use of the apprenticeship levy, so that it can be used for a range of training options that will develop recruits from the domestic workforce."