More detail has been released on the new points-based migration system that will be effective from 01 January 2021. Given the current reliance of UK food businesses on non-UK workers, this is an issue that leaders need to be aware of. LINK LINK The new system will set a much higher threshold for recruitment of workers from either the EU or other countries (except Ireland)...

Membership of the new Trade & Agriculture Commission has been announced and further details of its intended role have been revealed. Members are as follows: Ex-Tesco Tech Director/FSA - Tim Smith (Chair) NFU England - Nick von Westenholz NFU Scotland - Andrew McCornick NFU Cymru - John Davies Ulster Farmers Union - Victor Chestnutt The Farmers Union of Wales - Gly...

The UK government is to spend £705 million on improving border infrastructure over 2020-21. Spending will include: £470m on ports and inland infrastructure (where there is lack of space at port-side) * £10m on 500 new Border Force personnel, with £20m to equip them £100m on new HMRC systems £15m on new data infrastructure Separately, funds have also been allocated to f...

Shopper confidence is showing signs of improvement as lockdown restrictions continue to ease, according to the June results of the IGD Shopper Confidence Index. Despite the overall score remaining relatively low, the data reveals an increase for two months in a row. June 2020 results The IGD Shopper Confidence Index for June is -7, up from -10 in May. The score is now higher than the lowe...

“I came away feeling really positive and raring to go and try some of the ideas.” Feedback on the webinar from a listener Even if your team can’t be physically near, it’s critical that their values align, that trust is maintained and built between people, and that teamwork remains strong. Watch this webinar recording to: Learn how to maximise the time spent on remote meeti...

Following the global outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), IGD is working closely with the UK Government and the food industry. Here is a summary of some of the key developments we have picked up. Re-opening of the hospitality sector The weekend re-opening of the foodservice and hospitality sector in England has reportedly gone relatively smoothly. However, it is understood that onl...

The First Minister in Scotland has announced that from 10 July the use of face coverings will become mandatory in retail settings in Scotland. This follows an announcement on dates for a staged relaxation of lockdown conditions in Scotland (see LINK ). Following a review of the social distancing guidelines, the first minister said the two-metre physical distancing rule would be the...

Data from ONS show the impact of coronavirus and consequent lockdown restrictions on the foodservice channel. LINK As at mid-June, two specific business areas were affected much more severely than any other: foodservice/accommodation and art/entertainment. More than half of foodservice/accommodation businesses in the UK were shut, most of which had no plans to re-open soon. A...

Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave a speech in Dudley on 30 June, promising a new wave of capital investment, intended to correct national strategic weaknesses and stimulate economic growth in the post-coronavirus period. Extensive infrastructure investment was already planned, but some spending will be brought forward. Key elements of the plan include: £1.5bn to be spent on hospi...

Data from ONS suggests that the psychological impacts of coronavirus may be easing slightly, even as the economic impacts strengthen. The number of adults reporting being worried about the impact of coronavirus on their lives is declining, although the majority still express concern – this is in addition to worries faced in “normal” times e.g. job security. In the latest rese...