Labour’s immigration spokesperson, Chris Bryant, has caused a storm over his remark on BBC’s Newsnight that it “would be nice sometimes when you go into a British hotel if the receptionist was British.”

He went on to say that many hospitality jobs are going to Estonians and Latvians because they have a lot of get up and go and employers are not investing in young British people.

“I do get quite angry with some British employers who have decided not to bother with British youngsters to work in the hospitality industry and the construction industry,” he said.

His remarks coincide with a push the British Hospitality Association is making for careers in the industry, with The Big Conversation campaign.

BHA spokesperson, Tabitha Aldrich-Smith says Bryant is out of touch: “Right now hotels and restaurants and catering companies, as well as attractions have joined together in a campaign that’s been running since January this year to encourage more young people to work in hospitality.

“It was only a few weeks ago that a huge event was held in Cardiff to showcase hospitality to young people. Hotels in the area pledged hundreds of jobs, apprenticeships and work placements.

“Our aim is to show how it can be a fantastically rewarding career for anyone, no matter their skillls. It’s not about where you come from, it’s about having a positive attitude.”

The campaign is already starting to get results. After the Cardiff launch, a school headmaster called the BHA asking for a placement in a local hotel, so he could better convey to students what a career in hopsitality is like. His placement at the Cardiff Hilton will take place in May.