NFU labour survey adds support to calls for government policy change

The NFU today called on the Government to change its policy of ending the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme in 2010 after its 2008 seasonal labour survey revealed growers had lost an average of £140,000 because of a shortage of workers.

The survey confirmed the labour intensive sectors of horticulture had struggled to source sufficient seasonal workers this year, with two-thirds of growers who took part saying they lost money as a direct result of labour shortages. This factor, plus additional costs incurred trying to deal with labour problems, meant growers"e; losses were already £30,000 more than in 2007 with the season yet to finish.

Richard Hirst, chairman of the NFU"e;s horticulture board, said: "These results back up what we have been saying all year - that there is insufficient seasonal labour for horticulture. The Home Office must now listen and, in the short term, expand the number of SAWS permits and change its policy on the ending of the SAWS in 2010."

The NFU"e;s survey results follow the publication last week of a paper by Liverpool University for the Government"e;s Migration Advisory Committee which recommended the introduction of a renewed SAWS scheme to cope with the needs of the horticultural industry.

Mr Hirst said "Our survey results show that losses this year are greater than last and what"e;s more they indicate that business confidence is now being shaken by the concerns over insufficient seasonal labour. We look to Ministers to recognise that the evidence is now compelling and to act to ensure that the future competitiveness of the industry is not irrevocably damaged, leading to increases in imports in our season. To that end, I am bitterly disappointed that a meeting with Minister Liam Byrne tomorrow (Wednesday) has been cancelled and will be seeking a new date urgently."