‘Attracting, recruiting staff is challenge for most grocery businesses’

Attracting and recruiting staff is a challenge for 68 per cent of grocery businesses, increasing to 80 per cent for eating out businesses, claims a recent report, highlighting how Brexit workforce migration, low paying sectors and increased competition exacerbated by the pandemic are leading reasons behind the current staff challenges.

According to the latest Wholesale Market report from Lumina Intelligence, operators across different segments of the supply chain are investing in the future of staffing in the UK food and beverage industry

The FWD has lobbied the government for more international labour. The FWD has also created the Future Leaders Forum, bringing together up-and-coming leaders within the sector to develop talent and benefit the industry.

Some F&B businesses have focused on inclusivity and training to tackle staff challenges, stated the report. Pork supplier giant Pilgrim’s UK launched a Butchery & Abattoir Academy in a bid to attract new talent into the industry. AF Blakemore revealed it has helped 108 colleagues gain a new LGV driving license in the past year, covering all training costs, investing into driver training to help the industry overcome driver shortages.

JJ Foodservice has launched a female friendly recruitment campaign to encourage more women to consider HGV driver roles, aiming to fill the gap by broadening its talent pool.

An added focus on mental health wellbeing is expected to be a key development for operators going forward: Scottish wholesaler JW Filshill set up a wellness group in October 2021 to help look after the mental health wellbeing of its retailers.