The government has failed to demonstrate “a strong understanding of the labour shortages” facing the food and farming sector, according to the Commons Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee.
In April Efra provided recommendations to government in response to labour shortages in the food supply chain, of which three were rejected.
“The government’s overall response to our recommendations is wholly inadequate,” said Efra chair Sir Robert Goodwill MP. “We continue to be concerned that labour shortages in the food and farming sector pose real risks of further price rises for consumers in supermarkets, reduced UK competitiveness and increased amounts of imported food.”
The government did not accept the committee’s recommendation to lower the English language requirement for Skilled Worker Visa applicants such as butchers.
It also rejected the recommendation to undertake a “lessons learnt” exercise on the temporary short-term visa schemes established last autumn.
Regarding seasonal workers, the government turned down the recommendation to make the Seasonal Workers Pilot permanent, however, it has announced that 10,000 additional visas will be issued for the remainder of 2022, of which 2,000 will be allocated to the poultry sector.
“This is about bolstering food security, supporting rural businesses, and protecting animal health and welfare,” said Neil Hudson, Efra committee member. “We are calling on the government to step up and act in the national interest, and ensure high-quality, sustainable and locally-produced food can continue to be accessible in our households.”
Following the government’s response, the committee has written to the independent chief inspector of borders and immigration, David Neal, outlining its recommendations and next best steps.
“The government really must listen to the experts – our farmers and our food producers. We need a more robust immigration regime that allows the farming and food sector to plan ahead with certainty and grow their businesses. Otherwise, we are placing in danger the very future of the sector,” added Goodwill.
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