APPG SPOTLIGHTS INDUSTRY RECRUITMENT AND LABOUR CHALLENGES

APPG spotlights industry recruitment and labour challenges. Addressing two inter-related issues with implications not only for the sector’s sustainability, but for the social resilience of fishing and coastal communities, the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Fisheries will host an event this Wednesday on challenges surrounding recruitment and labour facing the UK’s fishing and seafood industry. 

Chaired by Melanie Onn MP, the online event, which will run from 1:30pm-3:00pm, will hear from:

• Neil McAleese, Head of Industry Workforce Issues, Seafish

• Juliette Hatchman, Chief Executive, South Western Fish Producers’ Organisation

• Andrew Brown, Director of Sustainability and Public Affairs, Macduff Shellfish

• Chris Williams, Fisheries Section Coordinator, International Transport Workers’ Federation

• Mike Park OBE, Chief Executive, Scottish Whitefish Producers’ Association

• Matilda Phillips, The Young Fishermen’s Network and Chris Ranford, The Cornish Fish Producers’ Organisation

Providing an opportunity for constructive dialogue on these cross-cutting issues, as part of the discussion we will hear of recent efforts to address these challenges, and explore measures needed going forwards that are attuned to the practicalities of fishing and working in seafood, whilst also affording adequate rights and protections for those working in the sector, and ensuring the industry’s attractiveness as a career for workers both within and beyond the UK.

You can register for the event and find the full programme here: https://loom.ly/plwsl6I

Event Details:

• Date: April 2, 2025

• Time: 1:30-3:00pm

• Location: Online, with speakers and MPs in Room B, 1 Parliament Street