Food and drink workers on the rise but vacancies remain

The FDF’s Director of Policy and Corporate Affairs Jayne Almond said:

“It’s positive to see today’s figures showing a healthy rise in jobs across food and drink manufacturing in Q2, taking the total to 478,000. With a presence in every community across the UK, our industry offers a huge diversity of roles and great opportunities to build a career.

However, unfilled vacancies are impacting on the sector’s ability to take on new orders and is contributing to rising inflation. While businesses are already looking for solutions to fill these acute shortages – such as the new Food and Drink Careers Passport - there is more that can be done to ensure our businesses have the tools and funding they need to invest in automation, robotics and digital technologies and drive growth. We also want the review of the Shortage Occupation List to address roles key to UK food and drink production and a more flexible apprenticeships levy."