Calls for seasonal labour period to extend as agricultural sector faces workforce shortage

By Andrew Heskin, Partner and ARA specialist

According to a survey from the National Farmers Union (NFU), more than two in every five farmers (41 per cent) have had to grow less food because they couldn’t find enough people to work.

This is a big worry because less food means less choice and higher prices for everyone.

The Government’s Independent Labour Review in August 2022 investigated this problem and shared some ideas on how things can be improved.

One such suggestion was to allow more seasonal workers into the UK and to let them stay for longer – up to nine months. They also suggest that businesses should be allowed to directly hire potential employees.

Another suggestion was to use more technology and machines on farms. Even though machines are not able to do all the work that people do, especially working out in the fields, they can still help a lot.

The report also says that we need to make sure that there are enough seasonal workers coming in future years.

NFU Deputy President, Tom Bradshaw, has stated that a plan is required and should be sustainable for at least five years to give farmers certainty about the future.

While getting workers from abroad and using machines are part of the solution, it is clear that training is needed for the domestic workforce.

To aid in this training The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH) has been created and will be launched later this year. TIAH will have a key role to play in the training and upskilling of the agricultural labour force in the UK.

More information about Government plans to combat the shortage in labour will arrive in Autumn.

We understand that these problems make running your farm more difficult and can cost you money. We encourage you to investigate the help available for buying machines, make use of the training from TIAH, and keep an eye on changes to the rules about seasonal workers.

Navigating these changes? Contact us today for expert financial advice tailored to your farming needs.