How can businesses future-proof their workforces and ensure that humans can really work in harmony with ever-evolving technology?
The food manufacturing industry has always been defined by its ability to adapt, from shifting regulations to unpredictable consumer demand. But the pace and scale of workforce disruption over the past five years have tested that resilience like never before.
From Brexit and labour market fragmentation to technological change and new sustainability pressures, manufacturers are now navigating a landscape where access to skilled, reliable labour has become a strategic priority rather than a simple operational concern.
For many producers, the conversation has moved beyond recruitment alone. The challenge now is how to build a workforce that is both agile and resilient, one capable of flexing to market demands without compromising compliance, quality or productivity. The answer? A recruitment solution where cutting-edge technology and industry expert teams work in harmony.
A sector under pressure
The UK’s food and drink manufacturing sector, the largest in the country, depends heavily on temporary and flexible labour to meet fluctuating production needs. Yet the traditional models for sourcing and managing this workforce are being tested.
“Businesses are being pushed to rethink how they attract, onboard and retain workers, not just to fill gaps, but to build long-term resilience”
Tighter immigration rules, competition from other sectors and changing worker expectations have all contributed to a more volatile supply of available labour. At the same time, regulatory scrutiny around worker rights, pay and conditions has never been higher.
In this environment, businesses are being pushed to rethink how they attract, onboard and retain workers, not just to fill gaps, but to build long-term resilience.
Recent data from one of the UK’s leading workforce partners, Mach Recruitment, illustrates the scale of the industry need for flexible, reliable staff. In 2025 alone, over 23,000 temporary workers were placed across the year, contributing more than 12.4 million hours of labour to the sector. At its peak, 12,000 workers were payrolled weekly, with as many as 4,000 new colleagues onboarded in a single week. The average assignment length at Mach of 27 weeks reflects a move away from short-term placements towards more stable, embedded workforce models.
Tech as an enabler, not a replacement
While automation often grabs headlines, the real technological shift in food manufacturing recruitment is happening behind the scenes. Digital tools are transforming how people are found, vetted, trained and supported – enabling a more responsive and compliant workforce ecosystem.
“For food and drink businesses, where safety, quality and consistency are paramount, virtual reality training could be a quiet revolution”
AI-driven attraction tools are helping identify candidates faster and more precisely, especially for roles requiring specialist skills or certifications. Digital onboarding platforms are reducing administrative burden and cutting time-to-hire, a crucial advantage during seasonal peaks or urgent production surges.
Perhaps most interestingly, virtual reality (VR) training is beginning to reshape how candidates are assessed and upskilled. Immersive, role-specific training modules allow workers to experience the environment, understand safety procedures and demonstrate aptitude long before their first shift. For food and drink businesses where safety, quality and consistency are paramount, this could be a quiet revolution.
Technology driving smarter recruitment
National recruitment specialist Mach Recruitment, part of Toryen’s Integrated Workforce Network, is taking a fresh approach. By blending deep sector expertise with cutting-edge technology, the firm is helping food manufacturers build workforces that are not only agile and compliant, but truly future-proof.
Mach’s investment in technology is reshaping what recruitment looks like for the food and drink industry – an environment that demands speed, precision and compliance.
From sourcing reliable staff to managing shift attendance, technology underpins every stage of Mach’s process:
● AI-powered attraction tools identify and engage candidates faster, ensuring peak-season demands are met
● Digital onboarding platforms reduce admin and accelerate compliance checks – vital for regulated manufacturing sites
● Biometric time and attendance systems verify shift access securely, reducing risk and improving visibility
● Virtual reality training enables immersive onboarding, skill-building and role suitability testing
● Integrated dashboards give clients real-time workforce data, helping Mach respond proactively to demand and forecasts
For clients, the result is more than just efficiency. By automating repetitive tasks, Mach’s consultants can spend more time on what matters most – building lasting relationships with candidates and providing on-site support that keeps production running smoothly.
Agility, accountability and the future of recruitment
As the sector continues to evolve, those who successfully balance technology with human understanding will be best-placed to build resilient, future-ready workforces. The lesson from 2025 is clear: digital innovation combined with a people-focused approach is the foundation of sustainable growth.
By combining digital innovation with deep industry understanding, Mach is not just filling shifts – it’s building the workforce foundations that help the nation’s food and drink industry thrive.
To learn more about how Mach is supporting food manufacturers across the UK, contact barry@mach.co.uk or visit: https://www.mach.co.uk/
