Recommendation 2

The UK is competing globally for skilled labour, the availability of which is vital to the ongoing success of the UK food supply chain. It is important therefore that bureaucracy and fees are minimised, and their impact kept under review. We are concerned that many potential candidates from EEA countries may prefer to work in other countries within the European Single Market exercising their rights of freedom of movement. We welcome measures taken by the Government to reduce both the skill and salary level for the Skilled Worker visa, compared to the Tier 2 visa, as more food supply chain roles will now be eligible. However, we are disappointed that the Government decided not to implement the Migration Advisory Committee’s latest review of the Shortage Occupation List prior to the start of the new immigration policy. Defra and the Home Office should consult food supply chain businesses during the first half of 2021 on the impact of the PBS and associated paperwork and fees to ensure that they are able to recruit sufficient staff from overseas where this is necessary so to do. They should provide the Committee with the outcomes of those consultations before the summer recess. The Government should reconsider its decision not to implement the Migration Advisory Committee’s latest Shortage Occupation List review to help ensure that food supply chain businesses can secure the labour they need.