Latest news with #FDF
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
‘Flexible Work' service for caregivers in Abu Dhabi
In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development, the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and the Department of Government Enablement (DGE) announced the details of the 'Flexible Work' service, which allows employees who are caregivers for their elderly parents to benefit from flexible work arrangements, as part of the 'Barakatna' (Our Blessing) initiative launched by the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Abdul Rahman Al Balushi, Director of Strategic Planning and Institutional Development at the FDF, explained that the service enables employees to apply for a 'Primary Caregiver for Parents' certificate. This certificate allows them to formally request flexible work arrangements from their employer, based on clear conditions and criteria. He noted that key requirements include the applicant being employed by a government entity in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and the elderly parent requiring continuous care at home, as confirmed by a medical report issued by a licensed healthcare facility in Abu Dhabi, provided the report is no more than three months old. Wafa Mohammed Al Ali, Director of Family Development at the FDF emphasised that among the conditions for obtaining the flexible work service is that the applicant's parents must be senior citizens over 60 years old, in accordance with the National Policy for Senior Citizens. The applicant also must be a first-degree relative (son or daughter), reside permanently with the parents in the same place, and be the primary caregiver. Additionally, the applicant must hold a family book issued by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and be a permanent resident of the emirate. Al Ali further explained that applications are submitted through the 'TAMM' government services platform using digital identity. Applicants are required to attach the required documents and then they will receive a confirmation notice. A field visit is then scheduled for a social study, followed by case evaluation and issuance of the certificate.
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Health
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi's Barakatna initiative empowers caregivers to benefit from flexible work systems, ensure care of parents
16 June 2025 18:28 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)As part of the Barakatna initiative, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi (DGE), in collaboration with the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD), have announced the provision of a service that allows caregivers of parents an opportunity to benefit from flexible work initiative seeks to empower caregivers to access the flexible systems, and strengthen the role of children in supporting and caring for senior citizens. Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director-General of Family Development Foundation, highlighted FDF's commitment towards senior citizens' welfare, stating that extensive efforts are being made to ensure their stability and quality of life. The efforts also aim to ensure that caregivers of senior citizens can fulfill their social and professional roles, and balance their personal, professional, and social responsibilities. Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi said, 'Home care requires commitment and special attention, and we are working on providing the necessary regulations to support this responsibility, including the presence of a dedicated nurse for senior citizens, along with ongoing coordination with employers.'Ibrahim Nasser, Undersecretary of the Department of Government Enablement, said: 'We are proud to be part of this inspiring humanitarian initiative, which aims to develop regulatory human resources policies within the Abu Dhabi Government, and empower employees to fulfil their family responsibilities without compromising their professional performance.'Ibrahim Nasser noted that this initiative helps foster a flexible work environment, and achieve a balanced personal and professional life, positively impacting employee wellbeing and the sustainability of government Al Blooshi, Director of the Strategic Planning and Institutional Development Department at FDF, emphasised that the service allows individuals to apply for a Primary Caregiver Certificate, which reaffirms their role in providing social services to one or both parents classified as senior certificate enables caregivers to obtain approval from their employer to benefit from the flexible work systems, in line with the stipulated regulations and Al Blooshi said one of the key conditions is that the employee must be working at a government entity within Abu Dhabi, and that the senior citizen's health condition requires continuous in-home care, based on a medical report issued by a licensed healthcare facility in Abu Dhabi that is dated no more than three Mohammed Al Ali, Director of Family Development at FDF, highlighted that applicants' parents must be Emirati senior citizens aged 60 and older, in accordance with the National Policy for Senior Citizens. The applicant must be a first-degree relative - son or daughter,reside with the senior citizen permanently in the same household, and be the primary caregiver. It is also required that the applicant holds a Family Book issued in Abu Dhabi, and resides permanently in the Mohammed Al Ali said to receive approval to benefit from the flexible work systems for caregivers of their parents, applicants must use a digital ID to log into the TAMM platform, submit the requisite application and documents, receive an application confirmation, schedule a home visit by FDF, and be notified of the social assessment visit date. Candidates can obtain their Primary Caregiver Certificate after successfully passing the evaluation. This step comes as part of the Abu Dhabi Government's ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens ,and provide practical solutions for Emirati families, enabling them to balance their family roles without compromising their professional responsibilities. The aims is to collectively reinforce the values of compassion, family cohesion, and institutional flexibility. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Major change to salt and sugar levels in UK food
Major change to salt and sugar levels in UK food Food manufactuirers are calling for a change in the rules Food has got healthier but manufacturers want the rules changed Food firms have cut salt and sugar levels in their products by nearly a third over the past decade, according to a report. But UK manufacturers across the sector are calling for more funding and 'bold action' to help drive further innovation in healthy eating. The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) said research by Kantar Worldpanel showed products made by its members have 31% less salt, 30% less sugar and a quarter fewer calories than they did 10 years ago. The group – whose members make a quarter of all food and drink sold in the UK – said the progress comes after years of investment by the industry, including around £180 million in healthier product innovation in 2024 alone. But the FDF said rising cost and regulation pressures are putting this investment under pressure, with a recent survey of its members showing 41% are planning to scale back spend on this as a result. It wants extra funding support and is urging the Government to take 'bold, co-ordinated action across the whole food system' to help with the shift towards healthier food. 'This includes mandatory reporting on the sales of healthier and less healthy products across manufacturing, retail and hospitality,' the FDF said. It also means taking a more consistent approach to health policy across the entire food chain, ensuring consumers have access to the same clear information that helps them to make healthier choices, no matter where they're eating,' it added. As well as funding for research and development and science support to the food sector, it believes the Government should help smaller firms more, with a similar scheme to the Scottish Government's Reformulation for Health programme. Efforts so far by the industry have included changing recipes and portion sizes. Article continues below Some manufacturers have added extra portions of vegetables, while others have invested in new machinery to make changes to the cooking process and recipe. Karen Betts, chief executive of the FDF, said: 'Companies have made major progress in slashing the calories, salt and sugar in everyday food and drink – making the food people love better for them, alongside hugely expanding the range of healthy options. 'But tackling poor diets and lifestyles is a complex issue and needs a more joined-up approach. We're calling on the Government today to work in a more structured partnership with the entire food industry to deliver change.' She added that 'holistic and co-ordinated action will help us truly move the needle on this critical health challenge'. Article continues below A government spokesperson said: 'As part of this government's Plan for Change, we are committed to achieving our health mission to build an NHS fit for the future, which includes shifting from sickness to prevention. We are working closely with the food industry to improve people's diets and reduce levels of obesity and have already restricted junk food advertising on TV and online as well as limiting school children's access to fast food outlets. 'Making healthier choices easier is a major part of creating a food environment that is fairer, with the fewest lives lost to the biggest killers and where everyone lives well for longer.'
The Independent
6 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Food firms slash salt and sugar by nearly a third
Food firms have cut salt and sugar levels in their products by nearly a third over the past decade, according to a report. But UK manufacturers across the sector are calling for more funding and 'bold action' to help drive further innovation in healthy eating. The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) said research by Kantar Worldpanel showed products made by its members have 31% less salt, 30% less sugar and a quarter fewer calories than they did 10 years ago. The group – whose members make a quarter of all food and drink sold in the UK – said the progress comes after years of investment by the industry, including around £180 million in healthier product innovation in 2024 alone. But the FDF said rising cost and regulation pressures are putting this investment under pressure, with a recent survey of its members showing 41% are planning to scale back spend on this as a result. It wants extra funding support and is urging the Government to take 'bold, co-ordinated action across the whole food system' to help with the shift towards healthier food. 'This includes mandatory reporting on the sales of healthier and less healthy products across manufacturing, retail and hospitality,' the FDF said. 'It also means taking a more consistent approach to health policy across the entire food chain, ensuring consumers have access to the same clear information that helps them to make healthier choices, no matter where they're eating,' it added. As well as funding for research and development and science support to the food sector, it believes the Government should help smaller firms more, with a similar scheme to the Scottish Government's Reformulation for Health programme. Efforts so far by the industry have included changing recipes and portion sizes. Some manufacturers have added extra portions of vegetables, while others have invested in new machinery to make changes to the cooking process and recipe. Karen Betts, chief executive of the FDF, said: 'Companies have made major progress in slashing the calories, salt and sugar in everyday food and drink – making the food people love better for them, alongside hugely expanding the range of healthy options. 'But tackling poor diets and lifestyles is a complex issue and needs a more joined-up approach. 'We're calling on the Government today to work in a more structured partnership with the entire food industry to deliver change.' She added that 'holistic and co-ordinated action will help us truly move the needle on this critical health challenge'. A government spokesperson said: 'As part of this government's Plan for Change, we are committed to achieving our health mission to build an NHS fit for the future, which includes shifting from sickness to prevention. 'We are working closely with the food industry to improve people's diets and reduce levels of obesity and have already restricted junk food advertising on TV and online as well as limiting school children's access to fast food outlets. 'Making healthier choices easier is a major part of creating a food environment that is fairer, with the fewest lives lost to the biggest killers and where everyone lives well for longer.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Food firms slash salt and sugar by nearly a third
Food firms have cut salt and sugar levels in their products by nearly a third over the past decade, according to a report. But UK manufacturers across the sector are calling for more funding and 'bold action' to help drive further innovation in healthy eating. The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) said research by Kantar Worldpanel showed products made by its members have 31% less salt, 30% less sugar and a quarter fewer calories than they did 10 years ago. The group – whose members make a quarter of all food and drink sold in the UK – said the progress comes after years of investment by the industry, including around £180 million in healthier product innovation in 2024 alone. But the FDF said rising cost and regulation pressures are putting this investment under pressure, with a recent survey of its members showing 41% are planning to scale back spend on this as a result. It wants extra funding support and is urging the Government to take 'bold, co-ordinated action across the whole food system' to help with the shift towards healthier food. 'This includes mandatory reporting on the sales of healthier and less healthy products across manufacturing, retail and hospitality,' the FDF said. 'It also means taking a more consistent approach to health policy across the entire food chain, ensuring consumers have access to the same clear information that helps them to make healthier choices, no matter where they're eating,' it added. As well as funding for research and development and science support to the food sector, it believes the Government should help smaller firms more, with a similar scheme to the Scottish Government's Reformulation for Health programme. Efforts so far by the industry have included changing recipes and portion sizes. Some manufacturers have added extra portions of vegetables, while others have invested in new machinery to make changes to the cooking process and recipe. Karen Betts, chief executive of the FDF, said: 'Companies have made major progress in slashing the calories, salt and sugar in everyday food and drink – making the food people love better for them, alongside hugely expanding the range of healthy options. 'But tackling poor diets and lifestyles is a complex issue and needs a more joined-up approach. 'We're calling on the Government today to work in a more structured partnership with the entire food industry to deliver change.' She added that 'holistic and co-ordinated action will help us truly move the needle on this critical health challenge'. A government spokesperson said: 'As part of this government's Plan for Change, we are committed to achieving our health mission to build an NHS fit for the future, which includes shifting from sickness to prevention. 'We are working closely with the food industry to improve people's diets and reduce levels of obesity and have already restricted junk food advertising on TV and online as well as limiting school children's access to fast food outlets. 'Making healthier choices easier is a major part of creating a food environment that is fairer, with the fewest lives lost to the biggest killers and where everyone lives well for longer.'
