The NFU has called on the government to introduce a new student workers' scheme after a survey revealed a third of growers experienced problems in recruiting a seasonal workforce last year.
The union's 2015 End of Season Horticultural Survey revealed that 29 per cent of growers experienced problems in securing an adequate supply of seasonal workers in 2015. That figure was as high as 43 per cent in the fruit sector.
The report also indicated that 84 per cent of growers expect increased labour costs, not including the new National Living Wage, by 2018, with 66 per cent anticipating reduced labour availability by the same year.
A new government scheme should be introduced that is open to agricultural students from all over the world to undertake seasonal harvesting work, according to the NFU. The previous Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS) ended in 2013 and grower bodies have been calling for a replacement ever since.
'The results of this survey are very worrying,' said NFU president Meurig Raymond. 'Horticulture contributes £3 billion to the UK’s economy and employs around 37,000 people in England alone. However, a further 40,819 seasonal workers are needed every yearin England to help grow, harvest and pack the produce.
'Harvest seasons with insufficient seasonal labour lead to British crops remaining unpicked, businesses facing massive losses and retailers being forced to fill shelves with imported produce.
“Putting a new student scheme in place will attract young people who will bring skills that can help increase productivity in the UK. This will help avoid labour shortages and the potential consequences of higher food prices, increased imports and loss of full-time jobs that seasonal work supports.'
No comments yet