We are
approaching the time of this particular year when the 2015 UK Election will
fill us with stories of fear, doom and equal responses of positivity on our
future, until the results in May. Several arguments will festoon our papers,
social media and TV and Radio over immigration and how and what to do about
this terrible situation. My fear is that our beloved Food Industry will just
sit by as usual and say nothing. Is it not time we in this industry of food
supply whether in Retail or Food Service actually started to defend the influx
of Jonnie Foreigner (as Jeremy Clarkson would say)
There are
not too many hotels, restaurants, pubs or contract caterers in the UK that
could survive without our international work forces. There is even less of a
chance of these outlets being supplied with food without Jonnie Foreigner
working in the harvesting, processing, butchering, storing or warehousing of
these goods. Nigel Farage may be willing to canvass support whilst holding a
British pint but should be aware that the pubs menu was predominately supplied
with the help of outside assistance, namely international workforces.
Visit any
sandwich manufacturer, pie manufacturer or Brakes suppliers and an
international work force is paramount to their survival. Tell the UKIP voter or
the Liberal Party that the daily ready meal at M&S was packed and supplied
by foreigners, deny or limit their access into the UK and M&S to Sainsbury
would have to cease selling these items.
Let’s face
it whether it’s the maids or waiters in our hotels or order takers in a Nando’s
or Pret without foreign help these chains could not function or expand. The
owners of these chains and organisation know the truth but are nervous to have
a voice. We have various organisations, associations, trade bodies in the UK
Catering arena. Organisations that represent Contract Caterers to Pub Groups to
Restaurant and Hoteliers; are they not brave enough to add a point of view to
this 2015 political hot potato?
Without the
foreign work force our British Trade Unions should admit Brits will not work in
a chill chain environment, will not stand the conditions to prepare ready meals
or work to service the multitude of jobs required to fulfil the capacity of
various food options our lives now demand re eating in home or out.
I been in
this business in various roles for many years, I for one appreciate the open
door policy we offer here in the UK. Time to reflect but more importantly it’s
time we in producing and servicing the demand for food take our own political
stand.
