ASIAN AND ORIENTAL RESTAURANTS CAN TACKLE IMMIGRATION CAP WITH NEW APPRENTICESHIPS

Specialist options for Indian, Bangladeshi, Chinese and Thai cuisines are now available to those taking the new apprenticeship in hospitality and catering, which was launched by People 1st earlier this autumn. The new apprenticeship routes were developed following in-depth consultation with key employers, including those on People 1st's Asian and Oriental advisory panel, and include units on dim sum, noodles, spices and herbs and using a tandoor – skills that were previously not taught within work-based learning programmes in the UK. The opportunity to develop chefs with these specialist skills in the UK could provide a lifeline for many Asian and Oriental restaurant businesses, as changes in immigration policy could threaten the survival of those reliant on recruiting from outside of the European Economic Area (EEA). Although skilled chefs are currently included on the shortage occupation list – which means that they can be recruited more easily from outside the EEA – the government has indicated that they could be removed, while the impending immigration cap is likely to have an impact on the number of staff that businesses can recruit from overseas. People 1st's research and policy director, Martin-Christian Kent, commented: "For many of the UK's Asian and Oriental restaurants, recruiting chefs from outside the EEA has been the only way that they could gain access to the specialist skills they need – but this approach could be disastrous if immigration legislation changes. "The new apprenticeships aim to provide a route for chefs within the UK to develop those specialist skills, and to create a pool of talent that Asian and Oriental restaurants can tap into. They truly reflect the diverse nature of the UK's restaurant market and recognise an important sector of industry. "While they will not replace the need for a few, select, employers to recruit chefs with skills from very specific locations, they will go a long way towards supporting the needs of the majority of ethnic restaurants." Employers from Asian and Oriental catering businesses have been actively involved in the development of the new programmes, which have been welcomed by leading industry figures. Celebrated Indian chef, Cyrus Todiwala MBE commented: "These new apprenticeships are something that the Asian and Oriental catering industry has needed for some time. Finally, we have a recognised programme that teaches specific skills that are needed within our businesses – it's a fantastic opportunity to develop new talent within the UK. "I think that this opportunity now needs to be grabbed, and people from all backgrounds enthused into signing up." While the new apprenticeships may allow Asian and Oriental restaurants to reduce their reliance on non-EU workers, Martin-Christian Kent stressed that it is now up to those businesses make the most of them. "While the option is now there to train UK talent, skills cannot be learnt overnight," he commented. "Unless businesses are proactive, they may still be vulnerable to future changes in immigration policy. I would urge any businesses that are interested in putting themselves in the best position to deal with these changes to think about recruiting apprentices now." He also urged the government to consider the time needed for changes to take effect before placing restrictions on chefs entering the UK. "The industry has demonstrated that it is willing to change its approach, but these measures will take time to have an impact. Any new immigration restrictions that are imposed without an adequate lead-in time could prove disastrous for the sector," he warned. For more information on the new Asian and Oriental chef apprenticeships, contact Martin-Christian Kent at People 1st at martin-christian.kent@people1st.co.uk