The skills gap in the food and drink manufacturing sector has not shrunk, despite the latest government statistics showing that UK unemployment overall has fallen.
The industry needs more skilled employees and it needs them quickly. But is there a coherent training and careers regime? Gary Scattergood investigates
UK food and drink manufacturers have pledged their support for Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s plan to encourage 16- and 17-year-olds who are not in work, education or training (NEET), back into earning or learning.
Details emerged last month of action the food and drink industry is taking to address the impending skills shortage. A staggering 137,000 new recruits are needed to replace people who will be retiring over the next five years. This represents around 34%...
