UK foodservice supplier Sysco GB has called on Government to “take greater action” to address 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, commented: “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 the Sysco GB paper, the key to solving the issues facing the sector includes removing barriers to 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.

The report also highlighted the need to “empower businesses to tackle critical skills gaps” by enabling levy funding and short courses to support business-led training programmes, such as Sysco’s award-winning ‘Changing Gears’ HGV driver programme.

The company has lobbied 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, aiming to ensure 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.”