UKHospitality is the leading trade body for hospitality, representing every corner of the sector. They represent more than 123,000 venues, from pubs, bars and restaurants to hotels, indoor leisure and contract catering.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, commented: “The biggest fall in employment is among younger workers, those seeking their first roles, in entry level jobs or holiday jobs.

“A group that is now losing out on opportunities to gain vital experience and essential skills. The hospitality sector is a key provider of these valuable roles yet, since the announcement of the changes to employer NICs - which are set to cost the sector £3.4bn per year – 84,000 jobs have been lost in the sector.

“Hospitality businesses are being taxed out by rising costs and policy decisions that make it harder for businesses to hire and invest. If the Government is serious about supporting growth and tackling youth unemployment, it must urgently rethink the pressure it’s placing on hospitality businesses.”