Sysco GB, the UK’s leading foodservice supplier, has called on the Government to take greater action to address the significant employment challenges facing the wholesale sector.

Launching its Paper, A Skills Strategy for the Wholesale Sector, Katrina Simpson-Haines, Human Resources Director of Sysco GB, said: “The wholesale sector is facing unprecedented challenges. We play a vital role in supporting communities across the country, but the skills crisis means that it is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit and train the next generation of workers.

“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.”

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.

Katrina 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.”

Download the Paper