September Market Update: Staff Shortages

On top of an already turbulent landscape of driver shortages, Brexit, the pandemic and the global shipping crisis, food production companies are starting to feel the effects of not having enough staff.

We are hearing first-hand from our customers that staff shortages are affecting them. As an example, which will not be an uncommon situation currently, we were told that they require 170 staff to ensure their production facility is fully functional, but at present they only have around 110.

The situation that is now being felt in the supply chains – in the run up to the busiest period of the year, has been brewing for some time; with the after effects of the pandemic, Brexit and new immigration rules meaning a lot of the skilled European workforce have now returned back to Europe.

The knock on effect of this has already hit supply chains for restaurants, as reported in previous weeks, but the impact will be felt by consumers in the build up to Christmas.

We are keen to hear how the government will address this critical issue, and we will keep you updated in the coming weeks.