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Latest updates

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Read the latest skills and employment updates in food and drink manufacturing.

Guidance

Employment Rights Act (ERA)

16 dhen Dàmhair 2026

News article

Update on Skills, Apprenticeships and Workforce issues

15 dhen Dàmhair 2026

Information

Youth Jobs Grant

01 dhen t-Sultain 2026

People and Culture Initiative

26 dhen Ghearran 2026

View all updates

Guidance & resources

Two hardworking employees packing cookies in boxes

Employment Rights Act

FDF is supporting members through the Employment Rights Act reforms, bringing together policy updates, practical guidance, implementation support and member-only resources to help food and drink businesses prepare for change. Key topics include fire and rehire, industrial relations, unfair dismissal, and pay gap reporting.

Explore ERA Resources

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Apprenticeships & technical education

Food and drink manufacturing employs 456,000 people across every region and nation of the country, making it the UK's largest manufacturing sector.

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Career resources

Many of our members engage with a number of different careers-focused initiatives nationally or in their local area. If you are looking to start engaging in this area, or expand the work you are doing, the FDF can help guide you through the process.

Workers in cheese and milk dairy production factory

Pay & employment

Maintaining a competitive employment offer and ensuring compliant practice is important for our members. The FDF will help you understand the current landscape and push for your concerns to be heard.

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Immigration

The FDF is supporting our members to stay informed on the latest changes to the new UK immigration system. This includes guidance on immigration for employees.

Publications

food warehouse

Establishing the labour availability issues of the UK Food and Drink Sector

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.

skills

Unlocking Talent

The key findings and business actions under the project, which forms part of Sir Charlie Mayfield's Government Productivity Review, have been captured in a report - 'Unlocking Talent – The Key to Driving Food and Drink Productivity'.

breaking the chain

Breaking the chain

Key workforce considerations for the UK food and drink supply chain as we leave the EU.

Get involved

Make the most of your membership with our committees, newsletters and alerts.

Employment & Skills Forum (ESF)

The FDF’s Employment and Skills Forum (ESF) provides HR professionals a place to discuss key issues.

Upcoming events & webinars

Explore and register to attend our upcoming events and webinars.

In case you missed it

View all past webinars

Watch previous skills and employment webinars, hosted by FDF and our professional affiliate members.

drinks production plant line

Modern Slavery – what the food and drink sector needs to know

This webinar discusses the indicators of modern slavery, how to raise concerns, a modern slavery statement and how to engage senior management on this issue.

Business Confidence

What does the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act mean for food & drink businesses?

The ECCTA introduces enhanced measures to prevent fraud, holding businesses accountable for financial crimes committed by ‘associated persons’.

Business Confidence

Health, Benefits and Talent webinar for the Food & Drink Industry

Aon's experts explain how your reward packages can impact employee engagement and their intent to stay at your company.

Join the FDF

FDF membership gives you access to guidance, insights and networking opportunities so you can stay ahead, while our campaigns and engagement with government help shape critical industry issues.

Find out if your organisation is a member