Why Are 50 Tonnes of Food Wasted Every Week at Tesco?

The weekly disposal of 50 tonnes of food waste at Tesco is a startling statistic that highlights the urgent need for solutions. This article delves into the underlying causes of the food waste crisis and proposes practical and feasible solutions, with a focus on the quality resolution of the logistics shortage caused by Brexit and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Root Causes: A Perfect Storm of Circumstances

The food waste at Tesco is predominantly attributable to the logistical challenges faced by the retail giant. These challenges are exacerbated by the ramifications of Brexit and the subsequent shortage of lorry drivers, combined with the operational disruptions caused by the global pandemic.

Impact of Brexit

With the UK experiencing a significant shortage of lorry drivers, Brexit has played a substantial role in this labor gap. The exodus of foreign workers who have chosen to return to their home countries has left a critical skills and labor gap in the transportation industry. This shortage is further compounded by the ongoing immigration policy conundrum, where even if all necessary lorry driver tests were carried out and passed, the gap remains.

The Role of COVID-19

The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic has added another layer of complexity to the situation. Government efforts to manage the health crisis have resulted in delays in lorry driver testing, exacerbating the existing staff shortage. This combination of factors has had adirect impact on the supply chain efficiency, leading to delays and, ultimately, increased food waste.

Drivers of Change and Their Attitudes

Recognizing the shortage, logistics companies have increased wages to attract more drivers, but they are encountering a significant challenge: younger workers are not interested in these roles. This is due to the prevailing notion that these jobs will soon be rendered obsolete by the advent of autonomous trucks, leading to a continued labor shortage.

Addressing the Underlying Issues

To tackle the problem of food waste at Tesco and other retailers, several strategic solutions must be implemented:

Raising Driver Wages and Recruitment

Continuing to raise wages to attract more drivers is an immediate but not sustainable solution. Increasing wages to an extent that is comparable to the potential earnings in other sectors could help in bridging the gap, but it is crucial to consider long-term measures.

Swift Mandatory Testing and Exemption

Ensuring the timely and mandatory testing of new drivers, coupled with creating a special category of exempted immigration for lorry drivers, would alleviate the labor shortage. This would make the profession more attractive to current and potential workers, thereby stabilizing the workforce.

Long-term Strategy: Promote Public and Government Support

In the long term, promoting public and governmental support for the role of lorry drivers and the overall supply chain is essential. This can include awareness campaigns and initiatives to improve the perceived and real conditions of the job.

The Way Forward

The food waste crisis at Tesco cannot be ignored, and addressing it requires a multifaceted approach. By implementing solutions that tackle the immediate labor shortage, as well as fostering long-term change, we can make significant strides in reducing food waste and improving the resilience of our supply chains.

It is imperative that these solutions be presented and implemented at the highest levels of management in companies like Tesco, to ensure a sustainable future for the retail and logistics industries.