Over the same time, the proportion of workers from the EU has dropped to 37%, compared to 43% in 2019.

Sebastien Sepierre, the Europe, Middle East and Asia managing director for Fourth, global software provider for the hospitality and leisure industries, said: “A potent combination of Britain’s departure from the EU and the devastating impact of the pandemic continues to significantly shake up the sector’s labour market.

“The much-publicised staffing crisis is proving hugely challenging for operators, as a consequence of a clear shrinking of the labour pool, in back-of-house roles in particular.

“It remains unclear how long this disruption might last and how it will be resolved in the months ahead during the long road to recovery.

“It will be interesting to see how trading models which evolved during the pandemic, such as reliance on table service, digital ordering and development of new sales channels, will impact labour scheduling and the workforce in the future.

“Now that restrictions have been lifted in England and consumers can order from the bar once more, operators will need to find solutions that allow them to provide a great guest experience in tandem with maximising efficiency.”

The Fourth data is aggregated from the analysis of more than 700 companies across the restaurant, pub, bar and QSR sectors.