Could the food and drink industry help tackle UK unemployment?

Aug. 30, 2012 - PRLog -- Focus Management Consultants said that with around 16,000 food jobs still available in the UK, the sector could be one of the most important sectors in helping the Government to reduce unemployment. It says many of the current vacancies are in specialist areas such as food manufacturing, product development and engineering as well as more regular positions in sales, marketing and supply chain.

"Food and drink is a growth industry and, by 2017, more than 137,000 new recruits will be needed to fill the sector's vacancies," a spokesperson for Focus Management said. "With greater awareness of these opportunities, school and university leavers can begin to train for roles in this industry and enjoy long, rewarding careers. Likewise, people with key skills in struggling sectors may be looking at making a sideways switch into food and drink."

The latest unemployment figures, which relate to April to June, reveal that there are 2.56 million people without jobs in the UK, 46,000 less than the previous quarter and the lowest in over a year.

However, while the number is heading in the right direction, there remains a number of concerning trends that the Government is keen to address. Chief among them is the difficulty for young people (16- to 24-year-olds) to find work.

According the TUC, youth unemployment is now at "crisis levels" with one in five currently out of work. The latest figures reveal there are more than 500,000 young people who have been claiming jobseekers allowance for over six months.

Focus Management has worked with some of the UK's biggest and most reputable food companies since 1990, helping them to identify the best talent in the sector. Its vast experience and expertise means it is well-established as the number one choice for candidates and employers alike.

For more information about food jobs, visit http://www.focusmanagementconsultants.co.uk/food-jobs or call 01625 560778.