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Workforce in the food sector in Great Britain increased to 4.38 million in 2023 – Report

According to the UK Food Security Report 2024, the workforce in the food sector of Great Britain has seen an increase, reaching 4.38 million in 2023, reflecting a steady upward trend.

This growth, however, does not fully address the significant skill shortages in critical areas such as seafood and veterinary sectors.

Between 2021 and 2023, employment in the food sector grew from 4.04 million to 4.38 million, signaling a positive shift. Despite this rise, challenges in attracting labor to specific industries like horticulture and seafood persist. The report attributes this to ongoing labor shortages, compounded by post-Brexit restrictions on EU workers, which have placed strain on the UK labor market.

“The workforce in the food sector in Great Britain increased from 4.04 million to 4.38 million, showing a steady upward trend. However, this does not show shortages in skills in key areas of the UK’s food supply chain such as the seafood sector and the veterinary profession,” the report states.

The shortage of labor in these vital sectors, particularly in seafood and agriculture, remains a significant challenge. There is a growing reliance on migrant workers, a situation exacerbated after the UK’s departure from the European Union, which has led to more restrictive access to labor from the EU.

Alongside labor shortages, the report also highlights other key findings. It notes that the impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on global food prices, including sharp rises in energy and fertilizer costs, have affected the UK’s food inflation. This was further worsened by volatility in international supply chains, particularly for products like sunflower oil. Despite these challenges, the report underscores that the UK has shown resilience in food availability, with no sustained shortages over the past three years.

In addition to workforce challenges, the report addresses the risks posed by extreme weather events and climate change on agricultural water availability. The adaptation measures taken, including increased water abstraction for irrigation, demonstrate the food sector’s efforts to mitigate climate impacts. However, concerns over water availability due to drought conditions in 2022 highlight the vulnerability of the sector.

Overall, while progress in workforce numbers and resilience is evident, the food sector still faces challenges in adapting to external shocks, labor constraints, and climate-related risks. The report stresses the need for continued investment and adaptation to ensure long-term food security.

 

 

 

 

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