connecting every sector of the UK Food Industry
David Bradshaw
Thursday 19 March 2026
Feeding Britain Requires People a new UK Food Council initiative supporting the UK Food Industry
Feeding Britain Requires People
A UK Food Council initiative addressing workforce, skills and labour challenges across the UK food system.
The UK food industry employs one in eight people nationwide, yet faces growing workforce shortages and skills gaps across agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, retail and hospitality. The UK Food Workforce & Skills Commission has been established to bring industry and policymakers together to address these challenges through coordinated, evidence-led action.
A Structural Workforce Imbalance
The UK food system is experiencing a widening gap between labour demand and workforce supply. Long-term structural factors — including demographic change, skills mismatches and evolving workforce expectations — are placing increasing pressure on businesses across the supply chain.
At the same time, significant numbers of people remain outside the labour market, highlighting a disconnect between opportunity and access.
Without intervention, these pressures risk impacting availability, service standards and cost stability across the food system.
From Workforce Pressure To Food System Risk
• Food availability and supply chain resilience
• Consumer experience and service delivery
• Cost pressures and inflationary impact
• Economic productivity across a major UK employment sector
• Social mobility and access to employment opportunities
A Coordinated Industry Response
The Commission brings together leaders from across the food system to develop a unified, cross-sector response to workforce and skills challenges.
Our approach focuses on:
• Evidence-led insight and data gathering
• Executive roundtables and industry engagement
• Cross-sector collaboration
• Constructive policy dialogue with government
• Practical, scalable solutions for employers
Focus Areas
• Workforce supply and labour market access
• Skills development and training alignment
• Early-career pathways and youth engagement
• Employer attraction, retention and progression strategies
• Long-term workforce planning across the food system
Join The Discussion
The UK Food Council is inviting senior leaders, operators, educators and policymakers to contribute to the Commission’s work through roundtables, insight sessions and collaborative discussions.
Register your interest from here
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Driving Change: A UK Food Council Initiative to eradicate food poverty, supported by:
The UK Food Council holds Approved Partner Status with the UN Food & Agricultural Organisation
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The UK Food Council works in partnership with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to strengthen food systems, promote sustainability, and advance food security across the UK and beyond. We invite individuals, businesses, and organisations in the food industry to join us in building a more resilient and sustainable future. Together, we can improve food access, support innovation, and ensure food security for generations to come.
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