A fresh produce recruitment expert has challenged the industry to transform its employment strategies.
Guy Moreton believes that businesses in the sector need to be less risk-averse to attract the best school-leavers and graduates in the UK.
Moreton, the co-founder of MorePeople, was speaking during yesterday's Re:fresh 2013 conference at the Intercontinental Hotel in London
He said: 'Is it a bad image we have? No - the fresh produce industry doesn't have an image, and that is the problem. School-leavers just do not know anything about us, and that we are not actively promoting ourselves worries me.
'This is a great sector, a valuable sector, with great roles, and great people.'
Moreton said employers need to strengthen their recruitment process - focusing heavily on personality and attitude than 'must-haves and must-knows', and introducing a more stringent interview process.
The Stamford-based businessman also challenged industry bosses to encourage the next generation of youngsters into the fresh produce sector.
He suggested businesses 'adopted' a local school or college, made visits to such institutions, improved their community ties and standing, and employed more local people.
For more on the Re:fresh conference, see the 25 October issue of FPJ.
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