A Cumbrian MP has challenged two senior Government ministers to help tackle the Lake District’s staffing crisis.
Tim Farron, who represents Westmorland & Lonsdale, told the Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds that, according to a recent survey by Cumbria Tourism, 66% of hospitality and tourism businesses in the county are working below capacity because they do not have enough staff.
Mr Farron asked the minister to support the extension of housing grants to build more social rented homes in Westmorland, and to agree a youth mobility visa deal with the European Union to help recruit more staff from neighbouring countries.
He also pressed the Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson to fast track a new qualification which could be important in addressing the staffing crisis in the hospitality sector.
The catering and hospitality T-level had meant to be up and running back in 2020 but has since been delayed on two occasions by the previous Conservative Government, who had also quietly dropped ‘hospitality’ from its name.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Farron said: “The Secretary of State is absolutely right that the previous Government botched the roll-out of T-levels.
“In particular, the failure to deliver the T-level in hospitality was a huge blow to our communities in the Lakes and Dales. Her predecessor said that was caused by a failure to gain placements in the tourism and hospitality industry.
“Surely that is surmountable, so what plans does she have to talk to the hospitality and tourism industry in order to deliver the T-level to communities like mine very soon?”
In response, the Education Secretary said: “The honourable gentleman makes an important point about ensuring that placements are available.
“I am happy to ensure that he has a discussion with the Minister for Skills to make sure we address his concerns about hospitality.”
