UKHospitality has welcomed the Government’s acknowledgement of the importance and prioritisation of the food and drinks industry in its Brexit White Paper, published today.
UKHospitality Chief Executive, Kate Nicholls said, “We are pleased that the Government has recognised the value of the food and drink sector. We are also pleased that there appears to be no major deviation from previously stated positions, particularly the ability EU citizens to be able to work in the UK.
“It is vitally important that there is no friction in trade with the EU, and that goods - food specifically - is able to be traded to suit the Just In Time method that many hospitality businesses will need. It’s reassuring to see the Government acknowledging the need for such smooth UK-EU trade.
“UKHospitality will continue to be in near-constant dialogue with the Government, to promote the interests of the hospitality sector and ensure that businesses are not disadvantaged by Brexit.
'We also await the forthcoming report by the Migration Advisory Committee and will be liaising with the MAC to ensure that the sector has access to the talent it needs.”