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Coronavirus restrictions will still affect Welsh employers at alert level zero, says lawyer

Employers will still be obliged to apply Coronavirus restrictions in Wales, even when the country moves to alert level zero, according to a legal expert. Jennifer Gibson (pictured), an employment law specialist at Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors, which has offices in Conwy and works with businesses across North Wales, said a key

point to remember is that employees who can work from home must continue to do so. “Employers will still be required to facilitate home working where reasonably possible,” she said. “Recently updated guidance by the Welsh government confirms

that employees should not be required or placed under pressure to return to a workplace if there isn’t a clear business need for them to do so.” The guidance does acknowledge, however, that if continuing to work from home will have an adverse impact on the mental health of a particular employee, this can be a factor justifying their returning to the workplace, even if the work could otherwise still be done remotely. Jenny explained: “It’s relevant to take into account the wellbeing of staff when deciding what measures are reasonable to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. If an employee in this position can return to the workplace without the risk of exposure to the virus increasing significantly, this should be allowed.” It is also the

case that employers must still have in place specific Coronavirus risk assessments.

www.lblaw.co.uk

Welsh Gov to support food & drink companies

A new plan to help food and drink companies across Wales get their products on the shelves of major retailers is has been launched by the Welsh Government. The Food and Drink Wales Retail Plan has been developed alongside an industry expert group and aims to see the turnover value for the food and drink industry in Wales grow proportionally more than the UK as a whole. It has eight key objectives including creating a stream of new entrepreneurial food and drink businesses and accelerate the growth of companies with a turnover of more than £10m in the retail sector. The plan will support Welsh companies to aspire to a UK level of distribution and help build closer working relationships across supply-chains and retailers. “We have fantastic food and drink producers here in Wales and I am committed to helping them see their products enjoyed by more people, not only here in Wales, but across the UK,” said Lesley Griffiths, Minister

for Rural Affairs and North Wales. “The new retail plan will be key to this by helping develop greater strength and resilience within the industry and put in place the building blocks to support companies in their next phase of growth and development. We have a real opportunity, through this new plan, to help Welsh food and drink businesses reach new and potentially game changing markets.”

New estate agency helps holiday parks

A new company, Leisure Estates Agents, has been set up to help private owners buy and sell their leisure holiday homes – and the service is speeding up sales which, in turn, benefits park operators. “Our service is a bonus for park

owners across the UK,” commented marketing manager Mandy Ellis. “Initially many park owners are wary of our involvement with their private sellers, and are often concerned that it would cause problems for the park, however more and more park operators have embraced our service and are recommending their private sellers to us.” Founder Mark Roberts added: “It’s always a win-win: happy private sellers, more leads to the park, and total transparency throughout the process. Leisure Estates’ goal is to be the industry’s recognised trusted provider.”

www.leisureestateagents.co.uk

Hospitality bosses must adapt to capture best talent post-pandemic

Businesses in the hospitality sector must adapt if they are to win the post-pandemic talent war says Redwigwam, the UK’s leading flexible working company. The Office for National

Statistics said there were 862,000 jobs on offer between April and June, 77,500 higher than the first three months of

2020. Demand was greatest in sectors including hospitality, retailing, hospitality and logistics, something that is being exacerbated by the growing number of people having to self-isolate after being ‘pinged’. “A combination of Covid-19 and Brexit means that there are fewer European Union workers available in the UK for many roles in hospitality that they would have traditionally filled,” explained Lorna Davidson (pictured), CEO of Redwigwam. “The hospitality industry is under huge pressure as it moves to opening up fully again after the seismic events of the last 18 months. The recruitment challenge is being further intensified because of the vast number of people being pinged and having to self-isolate. We are telling employers they need to adapt to ensure they have the best chance of capturing the people they need. Businesses also have to meet the greater expectations that workers have for their working lives. They have to be willing to negotiate on everything in order to get the right staff including paying more, offering flexible work, greater perks and benefits and

travel to and from work. They also have to be willing to pay a premium to people working unsociable hours.”

www.redwigwam.com

Food glorious food!

If the past year has taught us anything, it has taught us to appreciate what we have on our doorstep!

Rob and Maria are creating Craft Welsh Rum on Anglesey

Craft Welsh Rum from Distyllfa Llanfairpwll Distillery

We are so lucky here in Wales that we boast such a huge array of amazing food and drink, and Cywain are extremely proud to support the hard-working people behind this magnificent produce.

In order to highlight our producers’ delicious food and drink and to make it more accessible to you, Cywain has launched a Producer Map which can be seen at Cywain.Cymru

Customers are able to navigate the map either by location and miles radius or by browsing the various categories which include Confectionary, Fish and Seafood, Gifts and Hampers, Home Cooking Kits, Drinks, and much more.

By clicking on a category of your choice, you will be led directly to the producers own website to find out more and

order to your door.

One of our favourites is the Spirits and Liqueurs category, where you will come across a selection of talented producers including Distyllfa Llanfairpwll Distillery.

Their most recent creation is this beautifully presented Craft Welsh Rum made on the Isle of Anglesey from pure cane molasses, with branding representing the lighthouses of Anglesey – there is no mistaking where this is from!

Rum is enjoying somewhat of a revival currently and Cywain is proud to support Rob and Maria at the distillery whose aim is to create genuine premium craft distilled spirits using as much produce from Anglesey as they can.

So, when deciding which goodies to include in your picnic hampers or what treats to take to the beach, have a look on the Cywain Producer Map for inspiration – you won’t be disappointed!

Alternatively, if you’d like to venture into the wonderful world of food and drink production, Cywain is a service that can help you. We are able to offer the guidance, support and the practical tools you’ll need to develop your business.

Cywain also leads the Welsh Seafood, Honey and Fine Food Clusters which are networks of likeminded food and drink sector businesses, working together collaboratively to help their companies grow and develop. n