One in eight of all UK jobs are in the food and drink industry and yet long term workforce shortages and skills gaps could affect its future, potentially putting UK food security at risk, according to the Institute of Grocery Distribution.

A new IGD report, Food and drink workforce – a quiet crisis building?, warns that the long term structural workforce shortages across the UK food system pose a growing risk to national food security. Despite years of effort from industry and government, labour and skills gaps show little sign of improvement, with pressures increasingly difficult for businesses to absorb behind the scenes.

IGD’s analysis shows the sector is now facing a labour and skills crunch that will not correct itself, even with economic recovery. It points out that, at the same time, almost 1m young people remain detached from the labour market, leaving a huge pool of untapped potential while businesses struggle to fill essential roles across agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, retail and hospitality.

The report says that businesses have shielded consumers from disruption, but warns the sector is reaching a tipping point. This “quiet crisis” behind supermarket shelves risks becoming visible through reduced availability, declining service levels, rising costs and increased operational strain throughout the supply chain.

It recommends the provision of free, cross industry early-career learning to build confidence and highlight long-term careers in food and drink, as well as a national schools programme to build skills, confidence and awareness of sector opportunities. It also suggests increased visibility of food sector careers across widely used platforms and digital channels and the creation of strategic university partnerships to raise the profile of food and drink careers.

IGD is also calling for a strengthened government partnership, including a national workforce strategy for food and drink, reform of the growth and skills levy, greater certainty on seasonal and skills-based immigration routes and improved alignment between Jobcentre support, local skills planning and the needs of a strategically critical sector.

Naomi Kissman, social impact director at IGD, said: “This quiet crisis has been building for years, but the pressure is intensifying and will reach a crisis point without a meaningful shift in approach. Our analysis shows this is a structural challenge, bigger than any one business, and it requires industry and government working together to secure the future of the UK food system.

“At the same time, the UK is facing a growing crisis of youth opportunity. We have a responsibility, as the nation’s largest private sector employer, to give young people the future they deserve, as part of a confident, skilled, future-ready workforce.”

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