THERE are 'no plans' to open an EU-wide Youth Mobility Scheme, even as a solution to the Lake District staffing crisis, the Home Office has said.

The UK currently has arrangements with thirteen countries including Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, South Korea and Uruguay. The Home Office said that it would not add nations 'unilaterally.' 

Applications must be aged between 18-30 (or up to 35 in some cases), have no dependents, sufficient funds for the first part of their stay and not previously been in the UK as a Youth Mobility Scheme or working holiday visa holder. 

South Lakes MP Tim Farron wrote to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak encouraging him to reconsider his decision to reject an offer from the European Commission for a youth mobility scheme between the UK and the EU.

The proposal would allow young people (aged 18-30) in Europe to live, study or work in UK for up to four years, and vice versa.

In his letter to Mr Sunak, Mr Farron said: "Youth Mobility Schemes have the potential to be advantageous to the UK hospitality sector who are experiencing significant labour shortages.

“The Lake District hospitality industry finds it increasingly difficult to fill job vacancies – a recent survey by Cumbria tourism found 81% of tourism businesses in Cumbria are experiencing recruitment difficulties.

“The region has an ageing population with a small working age population, which together with a low unemployment rate means there is not the pool of local labour from which to recruit.

“Opportunities are welcomed therefore which may bring more workers to the Lake District to maintain a strong local economy in the most visited tourist destination outside of London.

“I would urge you to reconsider your decision to dismiss this proposal outright, to give it further consideration and to use it as a basis for negotiations with the European Union.

“Please demonstrate that you are not ignoring the needs of the Lake District hospitality industry.”

The Home Office spokesperson said: "We have successful schemes with 13 countries, including Australia and New Zealand, and remain open to agreeing them with our international partners, including individual EU Member States, where it’s in the UK’s interest and supports the skills and opportunities of our youth.

"Free movement within the EU was ended and there are no plans to introduce it."