British people who voted leave in the EU referendum have recognised the need for migrants to come to the UK to pick fruit and vegetables, new research has revealed.
82% of people who voted leave would accept migration of high-skilled workers from the EU to increase or stay the same, according to research from thinktank British Future.
People wanted to see more "doctors, engineers and other professionals" but also understood the need for migrant labour to come to the UK to "pick the fruit and veg, build more houses and care for the elderly," the thinktank’s director, Sunder Katwala said.
The study suggested concern with immigration numbers is focused primarily on low-skilled migration. Nevertheless, Katwala said it was a "reset moment" for immigration policy.
The farming industry has frequently warned of significant economic damage if migration from the EU declines dramatically post-Brexit.
The number of seasonal workers coming to Britain's farms from the EU has dropped 17% and the outlook for the next two seasons is 'in jeopardy', according to a new report.
The latest report from the NFU's Vision for the Future of Farming said the industry had 'growing concerns'.
It urged the government to create an immigration policy to offer appropriate visas for recruiting seasonal labour overseas.
"It is crucial that the government addresses these concerns immediately to ensure that farming has access to a competent and reliable workforce," said NFU president Meurig Raymond.
"A solution, such as a suite of visa or permit schemes is urgently needed to avoid losing a critical number of workers that could jeopardise future harvests and food production."
