SNP: Farmer's Union warns "we cannot feed our nation" after Brexit
Monday, 14 January 2019 16:20
A shortage of seasonal labour after Brexit could leave the UK
unable to feed itself, according to the President of NFU
Scotland. Andrew McCornick warned that the pilot
Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme, granting temporary visas for
up to 2,500 non-EU nationals, was inadequate – with some crops left
unharvested last year due to worker shortages. Mr
McCornick also said that the UK government’s Shortage Occupation
List was “dismissive” of the industry’s...Request free trial
A shortage of seasonal labour after Brexit could leave the UK
unable to feed itself, according to the President of NFU
Scotland.
Andrew McCornick warned that the pilot Seasonal Agricultural
Workers Scheme, granting temporary visas for up to 2,500 non-EU
nationals, was inadequate – with some crops left unharvested last
year due to worker shortages.
Mr McCornick also said that the UK government’s Shortage
Occupation List was “dismissive” of the industry’s
needs.
Commenting, SNP MSP said:
“Even before Brexit, Scotland’s agricultural industry has
recently struggled to attract the seasonal workers we need – with
the political environment and the falling pound making the UK a
less attractive place to work.
“This industry depends on seasonal labour. With low
unemployment and agricultural jobs located outside population
centres, these jobs can’t be easily filled by existing Scottish
residents.
“Yet the Tory approach to Brexit and immigration treats our
vital farming industry with complete contempt – and risks leaving
our crops rotting in the fields.
“Scotland needs an immigration system that meets our needs –
and the power to deliver it.”
ENDS
Notes:
https://www.nfus.org.uk/news/blog/presidents-blog-14-january-2019
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