SOUTH LAKES MP Tim Farron has called on the government to fast track new qualifications to help the hospitality industry recruit.

The former Lib Dem leader put down a motion in the House of Commons in the hope of easing the post-Brexit strain many employers could face.

In parliament representatives from the British Hospitality Association had raised concerns with Mr Farron over the potential loss of a huge proportion of their workforce when the UK leaves the European Union.

Earlier this year the BHA had welcomed the chancellor’s announcement that new technical qualifications, called "T-Levels", would be introduced in 2019, something which may help to lessen the impact of Brexit on its workforce.

However, the roll out of the hospitality and tourism levels has been delayed until 2022 – three years later than the UK is expected to leave the EU.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Mr Farron said: “The tourism and hospitality industry is vital to our local economy and that of the whole country.

"But it stands to be crippled if EU nationals decide to leave the UK and if immigration restrictions mean that new European workers are deterred from moving here."