Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Food and Drink Sector: Labour Supply

Thursday 28 October 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions with Cabinet colleagues addressed concerns over labour supply shortages in the food and drink sector.
  • Supermarkets and major food manufacturers expressed anxiety about their ability to deliver during the Christmas period.
  • Temporary visa schemes were introduced to address labour shortages in the food and drink industry.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Employment Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The question arises from concerns over labour shortages in the food and drink industry, impacting business operations.

Question

What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the adequacy of labour supply for the food and drink sector. I am concerned about delays and shortages, whether of lorry drivers or butchers, causing huge concern and anxiety to business owners and consumers alike.

Answer from George Eustice

My Department has regular dialogue with all the supermarkets and the major food manufacturers. They had some anxiety around their ability to deliver for Christmas about a month ago. That is why we acted expeditiously to introduce those temporary visa schemes. I can say that confidence in the industry is now higher, and it is gearing its logistics chains to make sure that we have food on the shelves. It is an improving situation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about further action before Christmas was not directly addressed with a concrete plan or commitment.

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Q2 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Employment Business & Trade
Context

The question arises from concerns over labour shortages in the food and drink industry, impacting business operations. Dayle Evans, a landlord and business owner, faced difficulties reopening his pub's kitchen due to produce sourcing issues.

Question

Delays and shortages, whether of lorry drivers or butchers, are causing huge concern and anxiety to business owners and consumers alike. Dayle Evans, a landlord and business owner in my constituency, was unable to reopen his pub's kitchen for eight weeks due to difficulties sourcing produce. As we approach the Christmas season, which is the busiest for hospitality, and given the issues of last Christmas, what further action can the Government take to ensure that the shortages are resolved before that busy period is upon us?

Answer from George Eustice

My Department has regular dialogue with all the supermarkets and the major food manufacturers. They had some anxiety around their ability to deliver for Christmas about a month ago. That is why we acted expeditiously to introduce those temporary visa schemes. I can say that confidence in the industry is now higher, and it is gearing its logistics chains to make sure that we have food on the shelves. It is an improving situation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about concrete steps before Christmas was not directly addressed with a clear plan or commitment.

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How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)