Rare Restaurants CEO Martin Williams has called on politicians to bring about “sensible immigration reform,” saying the current points-based system is flawed and that diversity is essential to kitchens.
Writing in the Evening Standard, the Gaucho and M Restaurants operator said: “A lack of foreign hospitality workers will mean increased costs, unavoidably one day passed on to our guests, and will result in a lack of diversity in our kitchens.
“Multicultural hospitality workers, who often demonstrate both an inspiring commitment and work-ethic, tend to complement and raise the game of British workers such as myself.”
Williams further commented that MPs are “detached” from the sector’s contribution to the economy in their reluctance to support EU immigration.
“To be clear: it is impossible for restaurateurs, hoteliers and publicans to operate either functionally or profitably without EU immigration.”
He also underscored the estimated £25bn loss in income for restaurants, the £7bn loss in contributions to the Treasury, and the up to £19,000 required for a ‘right to work’ visa, a cost that many operators cannot afford.
Stating that immigration reform is vital to keep the industry going, Williams wrote: “It is time for our national politicians and the Mayor of London to support the hospitality sector and stop hiding behind their napkins.”
