Unite: Action needed now to protect British food industry
Action is needed now to protect British food production from the impact of a serious labour shortage, the leader of the UK’s farmworkers will say today (Saturday) in Cornwall.
Addressing rural and agricultural workers in Truro this morning (Saturday 10.00) Unite the union national secretary Chris Kaufman will issue a ‘wake up call’ to farmers, food factories and government.
“Large numbers of migrant workers from the enlarged EU have been keeping the food industry ticking over for several years, because they have been prepared to work for the exceptionally low wages paid by the industry,” says Chris Kaufman.
“But that pool of workers is shrinking, as hard-working migrants return home. Their places in the fields, farms and food factories are not being taken by British workers who are not prepared to accept wages far lower than they can earn elsewhere. Many workers have voted with their feet in leaving the land. They can’t afford to raise a family when many farm and horticultural workers are on the National Minimum Wage, and many skilled workers get less than £7 an hour.
“While it would be irresponsible to talk up the crisis which is facing British food production, this is certainly an opportune time to call on everybody concerned with the food and agriculture industry to recognise what is happening.
“What we need is a national strategy which recognises and encourages the skills essential to maintain a modern food industry. That will require recognition by employers that agriculture and food production necessitate investment in people through a decent wage structure which can attract young people back into the industry. Ethical standards should apply to the UK as well as abroad. They should apply to the way workers are treated, in the same way as standards are applied to the treatment of animals.”
Ends
Chris Kaufman will be in Truro at the Carlton Hotel on Saturday.
He can be contacted on 07976 842307
Further information: Unite press office on 020 7611 2550
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