WineGB has launched a Hiring Toolkit in response to data showing the need for more employees in English and Welsh wine. 

Released during National Inclusion Week, the association said the kit aims to help create a more inclusive, equitable and accessible industry. 

It is designed to help anyone involved in hiring, training or supporting people in wine. It includes templates for agreements, codes of conduct, checklists, tips for staff retention and a list of further resources. 

The toolkit also provides case studies of good practice in the industry surrounding inclusion and people policies. 

WineGB said the resource is particularly aimed at supporting small producers who don’t have a HR department or the time to create these materials. 

It added that 90% of respondents in the WineGB Industry Survey expect to increase their full-time equivalent positions by 2028, with further data suggesting a sector employing 30,000 people by 2040. 

On the launch, Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB, said: “With the numbers of employees increasing rapidly in our sector, and even more expected growth, we are helping the sector with the toolkit. We are particularly mindful of the additional workload recruitment can create, especially at a time of growth within our industry. Many wineries are starting harvest right now and employing extra staff, so it’s crucial that we provide all the essential help we can.” 

The publication of the Hiring Toolkit follows previous resources such as the Sustainable Packaging Toolkit and the Safeguarding and Welfare Toolkit. 

Image credit: Tom Gold