The Cold Chain Federation is urging the government to protect the vital cold chain sector in the upcoming Autumn Budget. Citing the industry’s £14 billion contribution to the UK economy and support for over 184,000 jobs, the Federation warns that recent increases in employment costs and the withdrawal of renewable energy support schemes are raising operating expenses, hurting competitiveness, and causing job losses.

In a letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, CEO Phil Pluck highlights the risk of increased food inflation for vulnerable populations and the threat to small businesses. The Federation is calling on the government to freeze further employment cost increases, take a cautious approach to the National Living Wage in 2026, and collaborate on a transition to renewable energy to secure the future of the industry.

Pluck said “This government states that it wishes to support the most vulnerable populations, the most vulnerable workers, and the most vulnerable communities. Recent government decisions have seen exactly the opposite. The upcoming budget must recognise this and see that industry support is now needed, not more industry taxation.”

Pluck writes: “We are a sector that wishes to adopt renewable alternatives in terms of energy investment and wishes to support our communities… in terms of employment and employment opportunity. This Budget must be one that supports us, not adds further cost to an industry that has already seen the negative effects of recent cost increases.