An importer of herbs and spices in Stockport, Greater Manchester, is recruiting for 15 roles in its production and packing departments.

EHL Ingredients has been trying to fill the roles for three months but reports it is struggling to recruit staff in the region.

Eight roles are for order pickers, four in production, and three in the packing department. All roles are part of a shift rota and can be worked on a part-time or full-time basis, and can be temporary or permanent. The company says experience within food manufacturing isn’t essential as full training will be provided.

EHL Ingredients imports, blends and packs all sorts of natural dried herbs and spices from around the world – from paprika and parsley, to chillies and cardamom. It also supplies blends such as curry powders, harissa, Tex-Mex, BBQ, and seasonings for sausages and burgers, as well as a range for plant based, vegan and vegetarian foods. It supplies ingredients in organic and conventional format in bulk, under its Lähde brand, to the food manufacturing industry and to the catering and hospitality sectors.

Tasneem Alonzo, joint MD at EHL Ingredients, says:"This is the first time we have struggled to fill positions – we usually have plenty of applications and have to turn people away. We know that a lot of our ex-employees and potential workers have returned back to their own countries due to Brexit complications and the pandemic, but wed love to hear from anyone in the Greater Manchester region who is looking for work with a great team, for a growing business.

"We know working in a spice warehouse is not easy due to the health and safety, allergen awareness, and product knowledge required, but wed welcome anyone willing to learn with a can-do attitude and full training will be provided. Were very lucky to have some very loyal employees who have been with us for years and this recruitment drive will support our whole team, and in turn our customers. Since the country opened up, and with so many people staying in the UK for holidays, there has been a surge in demand for our products so were keen to recruit now so we’re ready for the Christmas rush.

"We know were not alone in this position, as many other food suppliers are also suffering from the recruitment crisis and its having a knock-on effect on the whole food industry. There are already food items missing from supermarket shelves as there just arent enough workers in food production – and on top of that we have the HGV driver shortage too, as well as the pingdemi and staff self-isolating due to Covid or ill health.

All vacancies are open to anyone aged 18 or over who can legally work in England.

EHL Ingredients herbs and spices go into prepared foods, soups and sauces, sweet and savoury baked items, ready meals, snacks, marinades, and in international blends and seasonings.