Sysco has called on the UK Government to take greater action to address the significant employment challenges facing the wholesale channel.
In its new paper ‘A Skills Strategy for the Wholesale Sector’, Katrina Simpson-Haines, human resources director of Sysco explains that the wholesale sector is facing unprecedented challenges.
“Despite playing a vital role in supporting communities across the country, the skills crisis means that it is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit and train the next generation. Our Paper provides some very practical solutions that can be easily adopted to pave the way for a profitable future for the sector and those working within it,” she said.
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According to Sysco GB’s Paper, key to solving the issues facing the sector include removing barriers to engaging new talent by allowing levy funding to support onboarding, work-readiness initiatives, and the wider costs associated with bringing new entrants into the workforce – not just the qualification itself.
In addition, the report highlights the need to empower businesses to tackle critical skills gaps by enabling levy funding and short courses to support proven, business-led training programmes, such as Sysco’s award-winning ‘Changing Gears’ HGV driver programme.
The company is also lobbying for action to future-proof the workforce and drive long-term growth by unlocking funding for modular upskilling, digital and AI-focused training, and specialist and leadership development, ensuring people can progress throughout their careers.
Simpson-Haines added: “We believe the changes we are proposing will help boost productivity, strengthen social mobility, and build a more resilient workforce across the wholesale and foodservice sectors.”
