Your overview of political and economic news with a focus on the food and consumer goods industry, featuring the latest developments and guidance on COVID-19 and adapting to a new relationship with the EU.
Rapid COVID-19 testing for workers
Defra is inviting businesses in the food sector with 50 or more employees in England to register for the provision of government-funded lateral flow technology (LFT/LFD) to test asymptomatic workers.
This follows the recent introduction of asymptomatic testing across all local authorities in England targeted at people who cannot work from home.
Those interested in taking part can contact DHSC here using “Register interest for National Worker Programme” in the subject line and including the following information in the email body:
- Institution name
- Email for main point of contact
- Industry Sector (e.g. food manufacturing)
- Company registration number
- Size of company/number of employees (e.g.50-250, >250)
Businesses with fewer than 50 employees are encouraged to contact their local authority to explore the possibility of using community testing facilities.
More information is expected shortly on the timetable for the further roll out of community based and home-based testing for employees who cannot work from home.
Currently, there is no similar government funded testing for workers in the devolved administrations.
Absence
Absence rates due to COVID-19 are reported to be plateauing, though remain challenging in some regions where community transmission of COVID-19 is high.
Groupage
Defra is expected to issue updated guidance this week on the movement of mixed consignments to Northern Ireland (groupage). This follows positive results from pilots to test groupage based on a linear sequencing of sealed consignments, to avoid multiple checks and delays at ports. The guidance will include details of the types of seal that will meet requirements of the certifying officers.
Defra will continue to engage with member states and the European Commission to understand if a similar approach can be used more widely.
Additional guidance will also be published for businesses using a consolidation hub model for groupage.
Ports
Volumes are reported to be increasing, though remain significantly lower than usual. Goods continue to flow across all the borders; however, many businesses are still reporting difficulties in adapting to the new requirements following the end of the transition period with the EU.
The government will continue to monitor flow at the borders.
Customs agents
To send a consignment to the EU, businesses must appoint a designated customs/import agent. Concerns have been raised about possible disruption in the weeks ahead due to a shortage of customs agents, and additional demands being made of customs agents. For example, some EU authorities have advised that customs agents must be able to make themselves available to attend the Border Control Post in person to answer questions.
Defra will engage with industry to understand how we can build capacity and ensure that, where possible, interpretation of the requirements does not place unnecessary demands on customs agents.
See the latest webinar by the BPDG on exporting via the Short Straits
Northern Ireland – Prohibitions and Restricted Goods
As part of the agreement reached between the UK and EU, there is a grace period of six months to enable the movement of prohibited and restricted (P&R) meat products between GB and Northern Ireland.
Documentation requirements were expected to be introduced in three stages, with P&R Certificates signed by an Official Veterinarian (OV) or competent authority required from 25 January. However, Defra has now confirmed that the current requirement for a P&R attestation form, signed by an official in the business, will remain in place until 22 February.
From 22 February a P&R Certificate will be required. Updated guidance and details on the certificate will be published later this week.
See the Moving Goods from GB to NI Trader Showcase site
Seasonal workers
Defra is engaging with other government departments to make the case that any new quarantine requirements for people entering the UK excludes seasonal workers.
The government announced last year that there would be 30,000 visas available for those wanting to come and work on UK farms for a period of up to six months.
EU Exit support for businesses
The UK government has issued guidance specifically for food and drink businesses.
IGD has also provided additional support to help businesses with EU Exit. Businesses may also wish to refer to the EU EXIT Foodhub, an FAQ website for food and drink businesses