The food and drink industry is facing substantial challenges in terms of labor shortages, according to a recent report. The report, which can be accessed via this link, sets forth 10 key recommendations for the Government to address these challenges and enhance the attractiveness of the sector. Some of the recommendations include the implementation of a comprehensive strategy to attract more workers, investment in domestic labor, and the promotion of automation within the sector. The full list of recommendations can be found in the report.
The report recognizes that the food supply chain plays a critical role in the nation’s economy and the security of its citizens, but acknowledges the significant obstacles it faces in recruiting and retaining a competent workforce. Factors such as low unemployment rates, evolving labor market dynamics, and limited access to migrant workers have further exacerbated these challenges. The report emphasizes that every job within the food supply chain is essential and should not be disregarded as menial or unskilled. Each role contributes to the smooth operation of the entire system, from farmers and agricultural workers to food processors and distributors, all ensuring the production and delivery of food to sustain the nation.
In response to the report, the food and drink industry expressed concerns and shared their opinions on the recommendations. The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) highlighted the struggle to recruit labor, which has already forced some of its members to shut down. They stressed the need for flexibility in seasonal worker schemes and urged the Government to take immediate action to relax the English Language Requirement. AIMS welcomed the recommendation to replace the Seasonal Worker visa scheme pilot and emphasized the importance of securing a sufficient number of workers to maintain domestic food production levels.
Rod Addy, the director general of the Provision Trade Federation, highlighted the need for increased access to funding and better communication regarding robotics and automation in the food and drink industry. He emphasized the significance of supplementing the domestic labor pool with migrant workers to sustain and grow the industry’s contribution to the economy and food security. Addy also supported the call to transform the Apprenticeship Levy into the Skills and Development Levy to provide more accessible learning opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and for better data on labor and skills in the industry to enable effective workforce planning.
Karen Betts, the chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation, welcomed the report and its focus on the unprecedented challenges faced by the industry. She expressed the industry’s commitment to working closely with the Government to implement the report’s recommendations and strengthen the pipeline of skills. Tom Bradshaw, the National Farmers Union deputy president, stressed the urgent need to improve farmers’ access to a skilled and motivated workforce. He supported the recommendation for a long-term Seasonal Workers Scheme beyond 2024 to ensure businesses have the certainty they need to continue producing food.
In summary, the labor shortages in the food and drink industry pose significant challenges that need to be addressed urgently. The industry is looking to the Government to adopt the recommendations outlined in the report to enhance the attractiveness of the sector, invest in domestic labor, and promote automation. By taking immediate action, the industry can not only overcome these challenges but also contribute to the nation’s food security and economic growth.
