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John Shropshire to lead independent review into labour shortages in the food supply chain

John Shropshire to lead independent review into labour shortages in the food supply chain
John Shropshire

Defra has on Wednesday announced that John Shropshire will chair the independent review into labour shortages in the food supply chain.

Shropshire is an industry veteran, who stepped down from his role as the chief executive of major horticulture producer G’s Fresh Group last year. He will be supported by an expert panel that draws in expertise from across the farming, fisheries, processing and manufacturing aspects of the supply chain.


The review will consider the challenges facing food and farming businesses to recruit and retain the labour they require and will provide recommendations for the industry and government to consider. It will encompass the roles of automation, domestic employment and migration routes.

“I want to thank John Shropshire for agreeing to lead this independent review into labour shortages in the food supply chain. His industry knowledge and experience make him an ideal candidate to chair the review,” Environment Secretary George Eustice said.

John Shropshire said: “Our farming and food supply sectors are facing multiple challenges, and labour shortages are contributing to this. This review will help us understand how we can address labour shortages and boost productivity in the food supply chain.

“I’ve worked in the horticulture industry for many years and, along with the panel of experts supporting the review, I hope we can make some clear recommendations that will have a long-term impact on reducing pressure on farmers and increasing food security.”

Defra added that the announcement builds on actions taken by the government to support farmers through the current challenges they are facing, including bringing forward direct payments to farmers to help with cashflow which are now being paid in two instalments. Additionally, the government has launched a review of ​supply chain fairness in​ the pig sector and has committed to responding to a review exploring how to fast track the development and adoption of automation across horticulture.

The expert panel include Fiona Dawson, formerly president of IGD, vice President of the Food and Drink Federation and global president of Mars Food and Multisales; Martin Ford, technical and sustainability director at Greencore UK, a leading manufacturer of convenience foods; Mark Greet, who has led Falfish (a Cornish wholesaler and processor of wild-caught fish and farmed fish), where he was a managing director until 2021; William Kendall, food entrepreneur and a director of Samworth Brothers; Dr David Llewellyn, former vice chancellor of Harper Adams University; and Helen Sisson, group technical director at 2 Sisters Food Group.

The final report of the review will be published next year.

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Indies: It’s criminal police and government turn blind eye to shoplifting

Independent retailers are demanding tougher police action, more bobbies on the beat and harsher punishments as shoplifting levels reach an all-time high, a new survey reveals.

A whopping ninety-one per cent of respondents to a survey conducted by the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) called for more police patrols on streets, while a similar number - 90 per cent - said that shoplifters should be handed harsher sentences.

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“Inadequate responses from the police and a slap on the wrist for offenders means that shoplifting is soaring, and offenders are becoming more aggressive and brazen,” said Fed National President Mo Razzaq.

“From the responses we received, it is clear that real action is needed by police, by courts and by the government to stem the overwhelming tide of crime against retailers and their staff. Everyone deserves to feel safe at work and for their businesses to be protected against criminals.

“Fed members are also sending a clear message that one of the catalysts for verbal and physical abuse in stores is asking for proof of age before selling an age restricted product. If the government presses ahead with its plans to phase out smoking and vaping through a progressive ban to gradually end the sale of tobacco products across the country, independent retailers will be subject to even greater levels of violence, abuse and theft.”

Calling for action from the government and not just words, Mr Razzaq continued: “Without effective deterrent, criminals and opportunistic members of the public will continue to commit crimes.”

According to Ministry of Justice statistics, during the year to March 2024, 431 fines were handed out for retail theft under £100, while Home Office statistics for the same period show that 2,252 cautions were accepted for shoplifting.

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