Industry bosses fear 6,000 job losses are set to rock the fresh produce sector in 2002.
The grim news is thought to be down to the spiralling costs of employing people not being matched by sales.
While fresh produce sales increased by an impressive 10 per cent, the cost of personnel has risen by 25 per cent, making cuts likely.
According to market analyst Plimsoll, economic uncertainty, exacerbated by September 11, is an excuse rather than a genuine influence.
Senior analyst David Pattinson said: 'There is little doubt that managers will use the current economic and market conditions to make decisions frankly they should have made 18 months ago.' Seventy-six per cent of firms are spending more on staff than three years ago as they try to hold on to employees tempted by the more social hours and financial rewards found in other sectors.
Yet fewer than half of the companies claim to be making any more profit.
Analysis reveals average salaries in fresh produce will rise 4.1 per cent from £18,193 to £18,935 in a year.
