UK FOOD PRODUCERS EXPRESS CONCERN AT IMMIGRANT WORKER PLANS

UK food producers express concern at immigrant worker plans

UK food producers have expressed real ‘concern’ over the Government’s new point-based system for immigrant workers under post-Brexit plans.

Low-skilled workers would not get visas under plans unveiled by the government, and it is urging employers to “move away” from relying on “cheap labour” from Europe and invest in retaining staff and developing automation technology. However, the UK seafood processing, and other sectors, are heavily dependent on migrant labour for their operations.

Mark Harrison, Policy Manager (Employment and Access to Labour) at the Food and Drink Federation said: “The food and drink industry is reliant on workers at all skill levels. We have concerns about access to those potential employees who won’t qualify through these ‘skilled’ routes such as bakery assistants, meat processors, and workers essential to the production of huge array of basic foodstuffs such as cheese, pasta, and sausages.

“While we are committed to promoting the use of automation and technology in our sector, the benefits of such innovations will not be felt overnight and some food chain roles remain challenging to automate. With the UK experiencing historically low unemployment rates and high vacancy levels, we believe a route for entry-level workers should be introduced which retains control of immigration while also supporting business needs, incentivising upskilling, and boosting productivity.”

However, on the upside, he said: ““This announcement is a significant improvement on previous proposals for skilled workers. FDF and its members will welcome the introduction of a global talent route, and the reduction of the skilled worker salary threshold is a step in the right direction. It is also encouraging to see the commitment to streamline the system, but it must also be made accessible and affordable for businesses of all sizes, many of whom won’t have used the immigration system before.”