Sheep farmers have highlighted their concerns about the impact on the livestock sector of the £30,000 wage threshold for skilled labour in new Government proposals.
The Immigration White Paper includes plans to scrap the cap for skilled workers and a consultation on a minimum salary requirement of £30,000 for skilled migrants seeking five-year visas.
As well as abattoir vets, whose salaries often do not reach the £30k cut off, the sector is also concerned that not enough consideration is being given to general staffing needs in abattoirs.
For many people, Brexit was driven by a desire to reduce migration levels, with concerns that cheaper labour was undercutting the British workforce or taking jobs away.
But the National Sheep Association (NSA) says that on average UK abattoirs are more than 75% reliant on migrant labour, and that foreign veterinary cover is often even higher than this.
NSA Chief Executive, Phil Stocker says: “This is not because this workforce is cheap but because the sector cannot get reliable British workers to do the jobs.
“We are increasingly concerned that not enough thought and preparation is being put into ensuring general and veterinary staff at abattoirs will be maintained and we know that already many plants are working below peak efficiency because of labour shortages.
“It seems there is an assumption that if conditions are better the sector will attract British workers, or that technology will simply come in to replace people. Neither of these assumptions are anywhere near being a possibility.”
Mr Stocker adds: “Nor will a seasonal agricultural workers scheme cater for these workers as they are needed year-round and become highly skilled in their work areas.
“They all work hard, doing essential work that most British people won’t do, and many settle here for long periods and even permanently.”
The NSA is also concerned the ongoing uncertainty is making migrant workers feel unwelcome in the UK, which is already diminishing workforces.
Mr Stocker continues: “Many workers don’t know what the future holds or if their jobs are secure, without reassuring welcomes from the UK Government we can’t expect them to keep coming to do the work.”
