The BHA has informed Mark Hoban MP, Minister of State for Employment of the pledge as it hosts its annual Summit at the InterContinental London Park Lane today.

The job opportunities are 14,832 permanent roles, 11,103 apprenticeships, and 5,157 paid university work placements and this announcement is made in addition to those jobs already previously outlined by the contributing companies.

Pledges have been made at a series of nine Big Hospitality Conversation events which have taken place over the last 12 months across the UK from Scotland to the South West.

Over 1,200 industry representatives attended these events and made job opportunity pledges including the largest hospitality organisations in the UK such as Whitbread, Accor, Hilton, Compass UK, Sodexo, Marriot, Bartlett Mitchell, BaxterStorey, SSP UK; small hotels, restaurants and catering organisations as well as the most prestigious names such as The Ritz, The Goring, Le Manoir aux Quait' Saisons, The Savoy, and Belfry Hotel.

Mark Hoban, employment minister said: “The collaboration between Jobcentre Plus and the British Hospitality Association has been extremely successful, and it's fantastic to see the industry come together today with a further pledge to create 30,000 opportunities for young people.

“The hospitality industry provides a diverse range of career prospects for people of all ages, but particularly for young people who are starting out and still exploring what career path they would like to take. I'd encourage young people to seize these opportunities.”

Patrick Dempsey OBE, managing director of Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, who is a driving force behind the campaign, said: “The industry has very many job vacancies for young people and the unemployed. The hospitality industry can give you a rewarding and meaningful career; if only more young people realised this.”

Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association said: "The BHA is galvanising the industry to invest in our best resource - our young people - and from the response we have received so far this is happening. It’s a powerful message to take to government.”