Support #HiddenHeroes
Please continue to support the FDF's #HiddenHeroes campaign on Twitter @foodanddrinkfed and @FDFCorpAffairs which is highlighting the hard work happening across the supply chain to keep the nation fed.
We are working hard to support our members during the Coronavirus - Covid-19 crisis.
Member COVID-19 support
Although we are working remotely we are still working hard to support our members during the Covid-19 crisis.
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Scottish and Welsh updates and guidance
Updates
An overview of the latest updates on COVID-19 and detailed guidance and latest advice for each of the key topics below including detailed Q&A's and links to government guidance.
Daily survey on labour shortages and the impact of Omicron
The FDF has been asked to support the Government in monitoring the ongoing labour shortages and the additional impact of the Omicron variant of Covid. The request from Government is for businesses to complete the survey on a daily basis.
The survey is very short and should take no more than 3 minutes to complete.
The aim of this survey is to collect up-to-date, accurate and representative data on the impact of workforce absences across key parts of the UK economy.
The latest data suggests Omicron is extremely transmissible and is quickly becoming the dominant variant. Cases are now doubling every 2 to 3 days and for this reason the Government urgently need real-time (daily) data.
Your contributions to this survey are highly valued and will directly inform senior government officials and ministers. Due to the sensitivity of this data it will not be shared outside of the UK and Devolved Governments.
Please contact Mark Corbett, Innovation, Employment and Skills Policy Manager if you have any questions about this request.
Additional support
It is important to note Government advice is changing and being updated as the situation develops. We highlight much of this information in our Q&A documents, but if you want to read the government information in full then the key Public Health England guidance are to employers and to those who are self-isolating.
BEIS has also launched a dedicated business support helpline so individuals can get advice on minimising and dealing with the impacts of Coronavirus (Covid-19). Businesses can call 0300 456 3565 Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, or email enquiries@businesssupporthelpline.org.
Face Coverings
If you would like to purchase face coverings, the Government has partnered with a number of production facilities to offer approved, BSI kitemarked face coverings. Further details and contacts.
Please note these are face coverings, not PPE.
News
Employment exchange and workforce collaborations
FDF have collaborated with job recruitment apps Placed, SonicJobs and Syft to share potential job opportunities across the food and drink industry, specifically in distribution warehouses, driving, and logistics
Letter from George Eustice, Defra Secretary of State
The FDF is delighted that George Eustice, the Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs wrote an open letter expressing his appreciation for the hidden heroes working on the front line of food and drink.
Report: Establishing the labour availability issues of the UK Food and Drink Sector
27 August 2021
The FDF in partnership with the NFU and a number of other food chain organisations has published a new report on Establishing the labour availability issues of the UK Food and Drink Sector.
Read moreReport: Covid-19: The impact of the incident on food and drink manufacturing
01 July 2020
The Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for food and drink producers. This report summarises the main issues, the challenges for food and drink producers then, now and going forward.
Read morePodcasts
We produce weekly podcasts on developments within UK Food industry featuring Ian Wright, CEO and key policy staff as well ad hoc episodes on topical issues. The FDF Podcast is sponsored by Clarke Energy: Sustainably powering food and drink sectors
Read more