April – Useful Information, Resources & Available Funding.

by Richard Miller

New guidance: restricting promotions of products high in fat, sugar or salt

DHSC have published new guidance for retailers on implementing restrictions on promotions of HFSS foods, due to come into force on 1 October 2022.

New calorie labelling rules come into force to improve nation’s health

The changes mean it is now a legal requirement for large businesses with more than 250 employees, including cafes, restaurants and takeaways, to display calorie information of non-prepacked food and soft drinks. These rules came into force on Wednesday 6 April 2022.

National Minimum Wage uplift

Around 2.5 million UK workers will receive a pay rise as the National Minimum and Living Wages increased on Friday 1 April. The uplifts apply immediately, and businesses are advised to take simple steps to ensure they are meeting their legal responsibilities and to avoid falling foul of the law:

  • Find out which staff are eligible for the new rate;
    •    Update the company payroll, and
    •    Communicate the changes to staff as soon as possible.

The Global Honey Supply Chain

An E-seminar, by Cathal Henigan, Purchasing Director at Valeo Foods UK, will provide an introduction to the subject of the global honey supply chain including an overview of the role of beekeeping, honey extraction and honey processing.

Help with energy providers for microbusinesses

Ofgem has launched a package of measures to provide microbusinesses with new rights and advice when dealing with energy providers.

New review launched into vitamin D intake to help tackle health disparities

A new review has been launched to promote the importance of vitamin D and identify ways to improve intake across the population, including through dietary supplements and fortified food and drink.

Exit scheme opens to support farmers to leave industry and create opportunities for new entrants

From 12 April, farmers in England who wish to leave the industry can apply for the new Lump Sum Exit Scheme, which will provide a payment so they can leave the sector in a managed way. The scheme is part of the Agricultural Transition Plan 2021 – 2024, and aims to support new entrants coming into the industry. We will be giving more detail of our next steps in the near future.
The scheme is open for applications until 30 September 2022.

Global Business Mobility

Guidance is available for employers on how to sponsor a worker on the Global Business Mobility (GBM) immigration routes.
The new Global Business Mobility routes include five sub-categories:

  1. Senior or Specialist Worker
  2. Graduate Trainee
  3. UK Expansion Worker
  4. Service Supplier
  5. Secondment Workers

Guidance listing eligible occupations and codes is also available.

Way to Work: DWP Webinar 11 May

Way to Work is a national push to help even more people enter the workforce through the record number of vacancies available in the jobs market, including sectors vital to national recovery such as Food Production, Agriculture and Fisheries. This campaign will help people move swiftly back into the world of work and help you fill the roles you and our economy need.

The webinar session will explain the support and initiatives available and connect you to the right people within DWP to help you to deliver your recruitment activities to match suitable candidates to your roles.

Farmer Time

This initiative has allowed school children to communicate with farmers via video calls on a regular basis, helping children and young people understand where their food comes from in its journey from farm to fork.
Not only is this helping consumers become better informed about farming, food production and the environment, but it is also inspiring the next generation of agricultural workers who will support our industry for years to come. Over 56% of Farmer Time calls so far have covered the natural environment and sustainability, 78% of farmers have spoken about animal welfare and 97% of teachers believe that their pupils have a greater understanding of where food comes from.
You can find out more about how Farmer Time works, and the impact it has at www.farmertime.org. They are looking for new farmers and we really encourage you and your members to volunteer!

Are you in the business of manufacturing, selling, supplying food?

If yes then you need to know about food allergens and intolerances.

Cumbria Trading Standards have put together answers to the top 10 allergen and intolerance questions they are often asked.

Click here to find out more (https://cumbria.gov.uk/tradingstandards/businesses/allergens.asp)

© Cumbria Chamber of Commerce