Improve has called for a ‘full and wide ranging’ debate after its new report ‘The Role of Migrant Workers in the Food and Drink Manufacturing Industry’ warned that falling numbers of migrant workers could have a disastrous effect on the £77 billion industry. Jack Matthews, Chief Executive of Improve, is calling for ministers from the Home Office and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) to meet industry leaders to discuss the potential impact of the government’s immigration and skills policies on the future productivity of the UK’s largest manufacturing industry.
The research finds evidence that migrant workers, who account for 16% of the total workforce, are declining in numbers after a period of rapid increase after the admission of eastern European countries to the EU in 2004. It suggests that Polish workers in particular, who make up half (53.3%) of the migrant workers employed in the industry, are beginning to return home or head to other emerging economies to work.
Improve is eager to see all of the key stakeholders involved coming together to discuss the findings of the report and consider actions for moving forward.
Visit the research section for more information about the Migrant Workers Report and Improve's call for a debate.
The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) has opened its consultation programme for 'Time to Train' (England Only).
The right to request time to train would work by giving an established employee a legal right to ask their employer to give them time away from their mainstream duties to undertake relevant training, which their employer would be required to consider seriously. Employees' requests could be to undertake accredited programmes leading to a qualification, or for unaccredited training to help them develop a specific skill relevant to their job.
Through Train to Gain, employers will be able to access Government support to help them identify and address the skills needs of their employees, including Government funding to sit alongside their own financial contribution with subsidies of up to 100% for certain training. It is anticipated that 'time to train' will be implemented in 2010.
To submit your views on this proposal, please add any comments you may have in the box below, and/or follow the link to the DIUS site to access the full consultation document and feedback form
Consultation closes on 10th September 2008.
Research conducted by Improve highlights that the food and drink industry will require 9,000 food scientists over the next six years. With 1 in 4 roles currently vacant, the industry is in danger of suffering from a major skills gap in this area. Improve is working with a number of partners to raise the profile of food science and technology as a rewarding career, and we would welcome your support or comments on how we can work together to take this forward.
Improve Limited has recently launched this new website www.Improve-Skills.co.uk. Packed with user focussed features, this new site makes it even easier for users to get involved, shape strategy and policy, and express opinions on any subject matter relating to the food and drink industry.
