HYGIENE RATINGS delayed, invest in food security before disaster strikes, and Autumn statement impacts
Hygiene ratings
Mandatory displays of hygiene ratings in England are still on the cards as the FSA announces that it will provide evidence on the costs and benefits to government “in the autumn”.
Food security pre-disaster fund
Funds should be invested before climate disasters hit to save lives and improve climate resistance, says World Food Programme. The FoodSECuRE programme unlocks funds before disasters, whilst ensuring that funds are available between cycles of disasters to increase climate resilience. The programme has successfully been piloted in Uganda, Sudan and Niger
Autumn statement
The British Hospitality Association has welcomed the news in the chancellor’s autumn statement that there will be a delay in increases in auto enrolment pension contributions by 6 months from autumn 2017 and again in autumn 2018. It is hoped this should help to soften implementation of the national living wage, which is expected to have a big impact on foodservice.
Meanwhile, the raising of the threshold for the apprenticeship levy to £15,000 is also seen as a constructive move as it will mean 98% of businesses will not qualify. A new £40 million Discover England Fund to boost tourism is also seen as positive for the industry.
