In the five years to 2005, restructuring, automation and offshoring has resulted in the loss of about 89,000 jobs in the EU's food manufacturing sector, with recent industry announcements indicating the downward trend toward decreasing employment -- and production -- is continuing, according to a report from the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions.

The EU advisory body's report provides an insight into how globalisation, the entry of 10 new EU members to the east, and increased overseas competition are affecting manufacturing throughout the bloc.

In both the original EU15 member states and the 10 new entrants, the manufacture of food, textiles and wearing apparel are among the top 10 losers of job positions during the five year period to the end of 2005.

Source: Food Production Daily