Young people make up the majority of both the hospitality workforce and the group worst hit by unemployment during this recession. Employers within the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism sector provide 2 million jobs (1 in 14) throughout the UK but according to a new report, are suffering a skills gap with 19% of all sector vacancies proving hard to fill due to a shortage of skilled applicants. Skilled workers, especially Chefs, are in short supply and with the sector set to grow in the lead up to the Olympics and beyond, the majority of businesses believe that qualifications are becoming increasingly important in deciding between job applicants.

How can people looking for employment within hospitality make themselves more employable?

Joining us in the studio is Chef, Restaurateur, Patron and Honorary Professor of Thames Valley University, Brian Turner.