Food Standards Agency
The Food Standards Agency have published new guidance for the food industry on reopening and adapting businesses during COVID-19. The portal includes sector-specific advice for agricultural, manufacturing and restaurant operations. View here
Worker Shortage
The food sector is suffering from a shortage of workers – and a call is going out to the unemployed, redundant, students and those looking for work to help feed the nation.
Many food companies are looking for extra staff, from farms, to food processors, distribution and retail and are collaborating in solutions to keep the nation fed through this difficult time.
A number of schemes have been set up to help get more staff into the food chain, with rapid application processes, usually with an online interview and then quick placement in a job.
National schemes which are recruiting jobs in the food industry include:
- Feed the Nation which has direct links to Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsburys, Ocado and Staffline, as well as major local employers including 2 Sisters Food Group, Karro and Tulip, with tens of thousands of jobs available now
If you are employer with staff who need to be redeployed, the Food and Drink Federation and Association of Labour Providers, who have set up the SWAP scheme:
- Spare Workers Availability Portal (SWAP) linking employers with excess staff to those with shortages
And similarly supporting the Feed the Nation campaign is Deliver to the Nation scheme:
- Deliver to the Nation supporting the increased requirement for logistics and vehicles primarily n the food chain
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) have also set up a matching service to link companies with logistics capacity to those needing more. It has details of thousands of vehicles and drivers who can move goods.
- Logistics and Transport Scheme linking drivers and vehicles with business shortages
Coming to the UK for seasonal agricultural work on English farms
Advice for seasonal agricultural workers and their employers has been updated with guidance for people coming from countries that are exempt from the quarantine rules. Find out more here.
USEFUL LINKS
- APL – Association of Labour Providers
- NFU – National Farmers Union
- FDF – Food and Drink Federation
- IGD – Institute of Grocery Distributors
- CLA – Country Land Association
- CILT – Chartered Institute of Transport Logistics
- AHDB – Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board
Food supply
British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA)
BBPA represents, supports and campaigns for the wellbeing of the beer and pub sector.
Visit their website for more coronavirus related information.
British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF)
BFFF is the UK’s frozen food trade association, with members comprising Producers, Wholesalers, Importers, Exporters, Brokers, Retailers and related Associate businesses. Visit their website for more information.
Food & Drink Exporters Association
Food & Drink Exporters Association promotes UK food and drink companies to the international buying community and represent the interest of exporters to the UK government.
Visit their website for more coronavirus related information.
Scotch Whisky Association (SWA)
The SWA drives the best possible global business environment for Scotch Whisky.
Visit their website for more coronavirus related information.
Soil Association
The Soil Association is the membership charity campaigning for healthy, humane and sustainable food, farming and land use.
Visit their website for more coronavirus related information.
Wines of Great Britain (WineGB)
WineGB) is the national association for the English and Welsh wine industry. WineGB’s mission is to advance the multiple interests of all its members to establish Great Britain as one of the world’s great quality wine regions.
Visit their website for more coronavirus related information.
Information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses
The latest information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses has been updated to include information on inspections starting. Find out more here.