‘We expect the EU to bring forward contingency measures,’ said the transport secretary.

Mark Tanzer, chief executive of travel trade organisation Abta, said the possible removal of consumer protections could be ‘profound’.

Only 3,700 people from the UK are being employed in the EU to do jobs such as chalet hosts, holiday reps and tour guides, new figures show.

The UK travel sector has called on the government to address difficulties employing British staff in EU holiday destinations, due to post-Brexit red tape and rising hiring costs.