Recommendations & Conclusions
4 items
1
Conclusion
Fourth report - Labour shortages in the…
Acknowledged
The evidence we have received leaves us in no doubt that labour shortages, caused by Brexit and accentuated by the pandemic, have badly affected businesses across the food and farming sector. If not resolved swiftly, they threaten to shrink the sector permanently with a chain reaction of wage rises and …
Government response. The government acknowledges the impact of labour shortages and outlines measures taken to address the backlog of pigs, including Private Storage Aid, Slaughter Incentive Payment Schemes, temporary visas, and seeking new export markets.
2
Conclusion
Fourth report - Labour shortages in the…
Acknowledged
While the whole food and farming sector has suffered from labour shortages, the situation for the pig sector has been particularly severe. Although the Government has taken measures to address the backlog of pigs on farms awaiting slaughter, the issue remains unresolved and the number of pigs being culled continues …
Government response. The government acknowledges the severity of the situation for the pig sector and outlines measures taken to address the backlog of pigs, including Private Storage Aid, Slaughter Incentive Payment Schemes, temporary visas, and seeking new export markets.
5
Conclusion
Fourth report - Labour shortages in the…
Acknowledged
The Government’s temporary short-term visa schemes for poultry workers, pork butchers and HGV drivers were seriously deficient. They were implemented too late, with many workers unable to arrive in time to help the sector prepare for Christmas and avoid poultry businesses reducing production. The schemes were not attractive Labour shortages …
Government response. The government acknowledges limitations with existing datasets on the wider food and farming workforce, but states that they monitor labour market data in the horticulture sector especially closely.
15
Conclusion
Fourth report - Labour shortages in the…
Acknowledged
The evidence we have taken leaves us in no doubt about the seriousness of the issues facing the food and farming sector caused by labour shortages. These include food security, animal welfare and the mental health of those working in the sector. In contrast, the Government has not demonstrated a …
Government response. The government acknowledges the committee's report and the importance of an innovative, productive, and competitive food supply-chain, and outlines steps they have taken to address labour shortages.