UK farmers are feeling the effects of the COVID-19 crisis in a very real way, as the shortage of seasonal workers – already a concern for many before the pandemic – threatens to leave produce rotting in the fields.
Growers were already concerned about a lack of labour for harvest time due to Brexit, but the coronavirus lockdowns across Europe have had a devastating effect on the supply of seasonal labour.
A government call for British people to take up the challenge has had some results in areas, but as was seen in the news this week, salad grower G’s Fresh has chartered a plane to fly 150 Romanian pickers to boost its workforce.
The campaign to recruit more Brits is still ongoing, however, and Concordia is seeking volunteers to fill paid positions on farms across the UK from the beginning of May onwards. Farm workers are classed as key workers and applicants can be assured that farms, many of which are open fields, are following the correct procedures around safe working conditions during the Coronavirus outbreak. Housing is provided although participants do not have to take it up.
CHAP and its partners are of course looking at innovations that in the future may ease the burden of recruiting and training seasonal labour. However, in the short term, it may be beneficial for the industry as a whole if more people across the country take up these roles and get back to the land. Not only will they be fulfilling an important role in helping to feed the country, but they will also benefit by learning more about the work done by farms nationwide to ensure the supermarket shelves are kept stocked with high quality produce.
Anyone looking for work (students who have been sent home early, workers who have lost their jobs) should go to https://hopslaboursolutions.com/seasonal-work
01904 217932
© 2019 CHAP - Crop Health and Protection Limited
