Travelodge looks to students as Brexit hits recruitment

Travelodge has launched a recruitment programme targeting students after Brexit hit its efforts to fill thousands of vacancies.

The budget hotel chain said it was offering 2,200 full-time and 800 summer jobs to suit students, as the roles would be designed to fit around their study commitments.

Travelodge said the work provided a great opportunity for them to earn some money to help pay for their education.

Other benefits, the company said, included access to a "work buddy" to learn from and access to management training.

The chain, which has 560 UK sites, said it launched the recruitment drive after previous campaigns to fill vacancies, including one targeting parents since January, did not meet the demands of its expansion.

It said it had not suffered any Brexit drain among EU nationals, who account for around a third of its workforce.

The hotel, restaurant and agriculture sectors have reported being hardest hit to date - with eastern Europeans being put off by Brexit or because the weaker pound has damaged their earnings potential.

Travelodge said the 3,000 jobs it was recruiting for were new positions.

It said a student working 24 hours a week could earn £10,000 a year - "enough to meet average living expenses".

Chief executive Peter Gowers said: "We are preparing in earnest for post-Brexit Britain.

"With thousands of new jobs to fill, we need more new colleagues than ever.

"We see vast untapped potential in parents who want to return to work and with students who have to meet the rising costs of education.

"Our new student programme gives you flexibility during your studies and the potential to build a longer-term career after graduation - a better way to earn while you learn."