In response to the resurgence of coronavirus, the Prime Minister has announced plans for a return to national lockdown in England. These were presented to Parliament on 02 November. They will be discussed on 04 November and – if approved – implemented from 05 November to 02 December, initially. Beyond that point it is intended to return to the established local “tiering” system, a...

Your overview of political and economic news with a focus on the food and consumer goods industry, featuring the latest guidance on COVID-19 and planning for the end of the transition period with the EU. National lockdown The Prime Minister announced plans for England to return to a national “lockdown” from 5 November to 2 December. Plans are slightly less restrictive than the pr...

The Trade & Agriculture Commission (TAC) was established in July 2020, with the object of allowing food and agricultural interests a greater voice in development of food policy. Initially, it was intended that the TAC would have a short life, lasting only 6 months. It has now been announced that the TAC will be given statutory status and its life will be extended indefinitely (with rev...

ECMT permits (it stands for European Conference of Ministers of Transport) are needed for cargo vehicle operators to move vehicles or deliver goods through and between member countries. Members of this scheme are the EU (not Cyprus), Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Norway and 13 other countries in East Europe and Eurasia *. If a no trade deal is struck between the EU and the UK (or if a d...

The National Institute for Economic and Social Research (NIESR) has issued a new and detailed forecast for the UK economy. Forecasting is not easy at present, with high uncertainty and rapid change in key strategic factors used by analysts ( eg : lockdown vs no lockdown). NIESR’s main forecast – understandably downbeat - assumes that there will be no further lockdown in the UK and t...

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast that the UK economy would decline by 10.4% in 2020, before partially recovering in 2021 with 5.7% growth. Two weeks ago, the IMF had predicted a 9.8% decline in GDP in 2020 and 5-7% growth in 2021. The report blamed "second wave headwinds" for the adjustment, while also trimming its outlook for the fightback in growth. The report al...

Your overview of political and economic news with a focus on the food and consumer goods industry, featuring the latest guidance on COVID-19 and planning for the end of the transition period with the EU. Outbreaks in food production facilities A review of previous outbreaks has highlighted the following measures are important in ensuring a reduced risk of transmission and potential ...

The Resolution Foundation, a think tank investigating the social effect of low incomes, has issued a new report on the effect of COVID-19 on workers. Based on interviews with 6,000 people, the report notes that coronavirus and consequent policy changes have hit hardest amongst social groups that were already most vulnerable, especially young adults and minorities. Key points are: ...

The UK government has issued updated guidance on marketing standards for food and drink imported to and exported from the UK. These reflect the fact that the UK will cease to be an EU member in January 2021 and will therefore be treated by the EU as a “third country” for trade purposes. Guidance covers: Beef and veal Eating eggs Fresh produce Hatching eggs and chicks...

As negotiations intensify between the UK and the EU, there remains the possibility that the end of the EU Exit “transition period” will result in a no-deal. Businesses trading in food, drink and other consumer goods between the UK and the EU will be impacted by this, facing higher costs and greater operational complexity. Our shopper, retail and supply chain teams have produced a shor...