The AHDB has created a new video to help train seasonal workers, making it freely available online.
The 13-minute instructional film titled “Becoming a Champion” has been translated into seven languages, and aims to boost productivity and reduce accidents at work.
The AHDB says the video can be used as part of an induction programme to show new workers before they begin working with crops.
Grower and productivity expert, Chris Rose, said: “Research has shown that a 20 per cent saving in labour costs becomes achievable by developing champion performers. One of the key building blocks in achieving that performance and increased level of productivity is to provide workers with access to a simple induction programme.
“The Champion Pickers video demonstrates exactly what best practice means when harvesting valuable crops including strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, empowering workers to collectively deliver superb results. We need to care for our labour and our workforce in the same way as we do our crops; starting colleagues off in the business with a solid induction gives them the nutrients to support long-term commercial growth.”
With labour shortages getting worse, British growers are finding it harder and harder to keep the best workers, with more effort spent on training new arrivals.
AHDB horticulture knowledge exchange manager, Scott Raffle, added: “Starting out in a new job can be daunting for fruit pickers who may not only be new to the business, but also a new resident in the country. Once growers have attracted staff, it is important to inspire them to stay and do their best while they work.
“When workers first enter the business they generally want to do well to impress their boss and set the building blocks for a potential pay rise or a promotion in the future. When they have that motivation, the Becoming a Champion video provides clarity on what delivering fruit-picking-best practice means in real terms.”
