UK Food and Drink Federation Manifesto Calls On New PM To Secure Jobs For EU Nationals, Ensure Access to Ingredients and Avoid Price Pressures

14 Jul 2016 --- The UK Food and Drink Federation is urging Britain’s new Prime Minister to safeguard competitiveness by setting out key priorities for the new relationship with the European Union. Director General Ian Wright has written an open letter to Theresa May where he points out that despite the fact that 70 percent of the organization’s workforce previously supporting Remain, the “resilient and resourceful industry” is now focused on transforming potential risks into real opportunities.

The FDF has also published its manifesto for food and drink manufacturing which details the main priorities for the industry and sent a copy to the PM.

The letter says there are several points that need to be addressed in order for the UK to remain competitive.

“Urgent reassurance for the nearly 100,000 EU nationals working in the UK food and drink manufacturing sector and continuing unhindered access to workers - at all skills levels - from the EU 27 nations,” it says.

“Continued market access to consumers and vital ingredients across the EU 27 nations and to the advantageous trading arrangements that the EU has negotiated with third countries.”

“A clear roadmap setting out how the exit process will be managed to ensure an appropriate regulatory framework that ensures the continued confidence of consumers and industry.

“Urgent action to address economic and currency volatility and a firm commitment to avoid introducing planned burdens on business: the proposed Apprenticeship Levy and Soft Drinks Levy must be placed on pause while uncertainty persists.”

Speaking specifically about launching the manifesto, FDF director general Ian Wright says maintaining a healthy and secure food and drink industry is crucial to the UK’s national community and economy.

“We have set out priority actions for the new Government to help bring much needed stability and confidence back to the sector and wider UK economy,” he says.

“Our partnership with UK Government has never been more important to keeping food prices stable, protecting UK competitiveness and securing a skilled workforce for the future.”

Meanwhile, the National Farmers’ Union president Meurig Raymond has also written to 10 Downing Street, following Theresa May’s official appointment.

He urges her to champion British food and farming.

“It’s a seriously important industry (farming), the bedrock of our largest manufacturing sector worth £108 billion per annum and one that employs 3.9 million people across the UK.”

“The NFU has an ambitious vision and our members are keen to achieve even more for Britain; with a rapidly growing population, declining food self-sufficiency, and new export markets there is is huge potential for growth.”

“The NFU is about to embark on a massive consultation with our membership, the biggest of its kind for a lifetime, with team visiting all parts of the country in the coming weeks.

“This will allow us to help shape the next domestic agricultural policy - one based on sound science and crucially one which guarantees the support given to our farmers will be on a par with farmers in the EU who will still be our principal competitors.”

by Gaynor Selby