THE head of Bradford’s curry festival says more should be done by the government to support the takeaway sector - but feels many businesses need to “up their game”.

A new report out today by the British Takeaway Campaign, which was co-founded by Just Eat, calls for the government to help boost the sector, which it says supports over 23,000 employees in Yorkshire and the Humber.

It calls for the government to introduce more vocational training for future chefs, an overhaul of business rates and making sure the immigration system allows businesses to bring in the staff they need from outside the EU.

The report says that, according to data from the Centre for Economics and Business Research, Yorkshire households spend on average £30 a month on takeaways and thus boost the economy by £364 million.

Stressing the importance of the takeaway sector, it says that nationally the industry makes more than the UK’s holiday industry.

Restaurateur Ibrahim Dogus, who is chairman of the British Takeaway Campaign, said: “The thousands of takeaways across Yorkshire and the Humber make a huge contribution to the region’s jobs and growth.

“But many are being hamstrung by skills shortages, rising food and wage costs, and business rates.

“We want to get more young British people fired up about working in this exciting industry by ensuring they get the right training and skills to help this thriving industry continue to grow.”

Zulfi Karim, who runs the Bradford Curry Festival, told the Telegraph & Argus that while he agrees with some parts of the report, including that the industry should be given more support, he feels many takeaways had to look to themselves if they wanted to survive in the current climate.

He said: “I think visa restrictions should apply the same way to all sectors. Should you look to overseas chefs coming in the country to help the industry? I think over the years that has led to a lack of investment in developing the skills of people in the UK. My issue is we shouldn’t be looking overseas to fill the skills gap, we should be looking to develop new talent in this country.

“Where we need overseas intervention it should be to help train people in the UK. If we are to move forward as an industry, more needs to be spent on training.

"I don't think there is enough teaching of food technology and preparation in schools. I do think the government does need to step up the teaching of food technology in schools so young people can understand earlier if they want to get into the industry. I don't think many young people in schools give a thought to becoming a chef.

“When it comes to takeaways struggling, I think they need to look more at what the customer wants. People have changed their habits in the last 15 years, there is a bigger desire for healthy or free-from foods. The market needs to make sure it can cater to these customers.

“I think the quality of many takeaways also needs to improve. A great deal are average or below average. They have to give customers quality products, because people are more careful where they spend their money. Many businesses need to up their game. Do things like make the most of social media.”