Furloughed Workers to Help with UK Harvest Amid Covid-19 Labor Shortages

Strategic Insights -

Britain's fruit and vegetables are at risk of being "left to rot" due to a shortage of seasonal workers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To mitigate this issue, the government has announced that millions of furloughed workers will be encouraged to take on a second job to help with the harvest. The plan, which involves working with industry to identify suitable workers, aims to plug the labor gap and ensure a successful crop. Environment Secretary George Eustice has welcomed the initiative, saying it is essential to support the farming industry during this challenging time.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK is facing a severe shortage of seasonal workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with estimates suggesting that only a third of the usual migrant labor is available.
  • The government plans to encourage millions of furloughed workers to take on a second job to help with the harvest.
  • A dedicated website has been created by the government to post vacancies for seasonal work, with thousands of positions expected to become available.
  • National Farmers' Union (NFU) Scotland has welcomed the initiative, stating that a 10,000 strong army of seasonal workers will still be needed to pick Scottish crops.
  • NFU Scotland has reported that over 43,000 people have viewed a dedicated webpage for farm businesses affected by the pandemic, leading to a number of jobs being filled.
  • Despite the efforts to recruit workers, the need for large numbers of pickers from Eastern Europe is still expected in the coming months.
  • Social distancing measures will remain in place for "some time" to come, with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab warning that a "new normal" will be required.
  • Mr. Raab has suggested that social distancing measures could be expanded to non-essential businesses if they reopen.

Statistics:

  • 20,732 coronavirus deaths in UK hospitals ([1])
  • 1 in 3 migrant labor usually available for work in the UK is not available due to the pandemic
  • 10,000 strong army of seasonal workers needed to pick Scottish crops
  • 43,000 views on NFU Scotland's dedicated webpage for farm businesses affected by the pandemic
  • "Some time" expected for social distancing measures to remain in place

Sources:

[1] The Press and Journal, "Fears for Scotland's crops as pandemic travel restrictions slow seasonal work arrivals"

[2] Downing Street, April 5, 2020, announcement on Boris Johnson's hospitalization for COVID-19

[3] BBC News, Andrew Marr show, interview with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on April 26, 2020

[4] NFU Scotland, "Scotland's Fruit and Vegetable Harvest: The Impact of COVID-19"