Over the years I have been very fortunate to get to know the local DWP team in Mid Norfolk, who do great work to support the unemployed and help get them back into a position where they can return to the workplace. I have always valued our conversations and do whatever I can to support their efforts.

That’s why I hugely appreciated their invitation to speak with a number of local employers in the poultry sector this week – to hear about the very serious labour shortages in the sector and the significant challenges they are facing as they look to recruit locally (despite a very buoyant labour market currently as we look to move on from Covid).

I look forward to working with those on the call to support the sector (one of the biggest employers in our part of the world) and ensure they can operate as we need them to in the months ahead, especially this next Festive period.