Availability concerns increase Click chart to enlarge Although absence rates relating to COVID-19 are thought to be falling, broader operational labour and HGV driver shortages are continuing to create challenges for supply chains. This is resulting in lower order fulfilment levels than normal, meaning there is an impact on availability of some food and groceries. In the late...

ONS has published detailed new data and analysis covering the effect of COVID-19 and associated matters on UK household finances over financial year 2020-21. This data shows that experiences varied according to age, ethnicity, type of employment and income level – the least well-off were most likely to report income decline. Household spending fell across all income groups – the hig...

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. Labour availability – changes to HGV drivers testing With an estimated shortfall of 100,000 HGV drivers , the UK Government is expected to announce a plan to shorten the testing ...

The Northern Ireland Protocol describes the special market arrangements that apply to NI, following the UK’s departure from the EU. The Protocol provides for various easements and special measures, making it easier to move food and drink from GB to NI. These are time-limited and were initially expected to cease at the end of September 2021. However, moving agri-food goods has proven...

The UK Prime Minister has announced new financial measures intended to help pay for NHS activities and social care. These were approved in the House of Commons on 8th September. The NHS has come under extreme pressure as a result of COVID-19 and many non-COVID treatments have been delayed, with large backlogs developing. Funding social care for an ageing population is a serious and ...

Background The UK left the EU Single Market and Customs Union in January 2021 and the post-EU Transition Period ended in December 2021. Movement of goods between the UK and the EU is now regulated by the Trade and Co-operation Agreement ( TCA ), whilst the Northern Ireland Protocol governs movement between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. When the Transition Period ended, the EU i...

Availability concerns slip back Click chart to enlarge Although absence rates relating to COVID-19 are thought to be falling, broader operational labour and HGV driver shortages are continuing to create challenges for supply chains. This is resulting in lower order fulfilment levels than normal, meaning there is an impact on availability of some food and groceries. In the lat...

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. Labour availability report Organisations from across the food and farming sector including the National Farmers Union and Food and Drink Federation have produced a new report - E...

Rising availability concerns Click chart to enlarge Although absence rates relating to COVID-19 are thought to be falling, broader operational labour and HGV driver shortages are continuing to create challenges for supply chains. This is resulting in lower order fulfilment levels than normal, meaning there is an impact on availability of some food and groceries. In the latest...

From October 2022 the rules for selling products high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) in the United Kingdom will change. This deck summarises Governments proposed restrictions that will limit marketing of HFSS foods and drinks. Download .addAfter { position:relative; } a.addAfter:after { content: ""; position: absolute; right: 0px; bottom: 0px; border-right: 17px solid white; b...