Hospitality and leisure company the Berkeley Scott Group has created a division dedicated to recruitment from within the EU.

This new division will focus on developing the company’s links with the Czech Republic, Poland and other central and eastern European recruitment markets.

Berkeley Scott has revealed that plans are at an advanced stage to open further satellite offices in Bratislava in Slovakia and Warsaw in Poland, in addition to its first satellite office which opened in Prague (pictured) last year.

Director of operations Tony Aylward, who will lead the division, said: “This venture helps us because in the UK it’s hard to find staff, such as housekeepers, with a year’s relevant experience.

“Around 90% of our staff are from the Czech Republic and they are filling roles even at management and executive level,” he added.

The company believes the region could be a key resource to help plug skills shortages in the hospitality industry, particularly in chef and housekeeping roles.

The new division will also be offering support to Berkeley Scott’s existing eastern European candidates who have already been placed in jobs with clients across the UK.