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...

The Scottish Government has introduced plans for a new five-tier system of restrictions intended to fight the spread of coronavirus. This will be presented to the Scottish Parliament for approval on 27 October. If passed, the new system will come into force on 02 November. The proposed system includes a complex series of provisions, limiting different activities at each level. For f...

The Welsh government has provided details of businesses needing to close as part of the “ fire-break” lockdown in Wales lasting from Friday 23 October until Monday 9 November. The default position is that all shops selling goods or services for sale or hire should close apart from a range of stores selling essential products including: Food and drink shops Petrol stations ...