05/11/2018
Britain is completely dependent on foreign workers to pick its fruit and vegetables. According to the National Farmers Union (NFU), barely one per cent of the 60,000 seasonal workers in the fields last year were British. Most fruit pickers come from Eastern Europe, in particular Bulgaria and Romania.
The Brexit vote has already had an impact on the industry. The fall in the value of the pound means that the benefit to seasonal workers, who convert the money earned into Euros and return home, is reduced. At the same time, economies are improving in their own countries further diminishes the allure of coming to the UK for short term employment.
Just My Opinion
Brexit is expected to lead to far fewer EU migrants travelling to the UK to take on work.
This work is vital; the seasonal fruit picking, factory work, caring for the elderly or infirm in nursing homes, looking after the clientele in restaurants and hotels or delivering life saving treatment and support in our hospitals.
The government's appalling management of the referendum and the aftermath of the catastrophic Brexit vote, leaves the UK in a position where manpower problems are likely to have a major impact on many industries.
Parliament must take stock, reflect on the mood of the nation, and deliver a vote on the final outcome.
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