D&D London yesterday reported receiving more than 1,000 applications in 24 hours for a receptionist position at its Manchester restaurant, 20 Stories.

Over 1,100 people sent in an online application for just one job before it was closed due to unprecedented interest, displaying the lack of hospitality roles currently availably in the industry and the huge rise in unemployment.

Carol Cairnes, D&D London’s Director of People said: “The sheer number of applicants is staggering, we’ve never seen such a large number come through in such a short amount of time.

“Whilst it means we will have the pick of an incredibly large number of highly qualified candidates, it’s very sad to see how many people are in need of employment. I would love to be able to offer them all the position, but of course that’s just not possible at this time.”