Labour shortage review welcomed, but Defra urged to act on immediate problems

Defra has confirmed that John Shropshire, who stepped down from his role as CEO of major horticulture producer G’s Fresh Group last year, will chair the review, supported by a panel with expertise from across farming, fisheries, processing and manufacturing aspects of the supply chain.

The review will consider the challenges facing food and farming businesses to recruit and retain the labour they require and will provide recommendations for industry and Government to consider. It will encompass the roles of automation, domestic employment and migration routes.

The final report will be published in 2023 ​and the Government response will follow. Farming sectors to be considered as part of the review include pigs, eggs, poultry, red meat, dairy, arable and edible horticulture. It will also examine meat and seafood processing, and food and drink manufacturing.

Environment Secretary, George Eustice said: "I want to thank John Shropshire for agreeing to lead this independent review into labour shortages in the food supply chain. His industry knowledge and experience make him an ideal candidate to chair the review.

"Whilst labour shortages are affecting countries around the world, we have already boosted the number of visas available through the seasonal workers route to 40,000 and extended it to include poultry and ornamental horticulture, and we are working to encourage people to take up jobs in the sector.

Workers sorting radishes on a production line at a farm in Norfolk

"Labour is a key issue for British farmers and farming and this report will give the government vital insight into how to address it in future."

Mr Shropshire said farming and food supply sectors are "facing multiple challenges, and labour shortages are contributing to this". "This review will help us understand how we can address labour shortages and boost productivity in the food supply chain," he added.

"I’ve worked in the horticulture industry for many years and, along with the panel of experts supporting the review, I hope we can make some clear recommendations that will have a long-term impact on reducing pressure on farmers and increasing food security."

NFU deputy president Tom Bradshaw described the review as "much needed". "We hope it will act as a catalyst for government to take action to ensure the food supply chain has the workforce it needs to continue producing, picking, packing and processing high quality, affordable and sustainable food for the nation," he said.

“While there must be a focus on long term workforce requirements and business resilience in the future, including things like boosting domestic recruitment and automation, farmers and growers are seriously concerned about how they will get the workforce they need right now. This review cannot overlook the immediate and pressing issues the food supply chain is facing as we speak.

“Farmers and growers are seriously concerned about how they will get the workforce they need right now. This review cannot overlook the immediate and pressing issues the food supply chain is facing as we speak.”

He urged the Government to commission the Migration Advisory Committee’s review of the shortage occupation list without further delay, and expand the review to include the British ornamental plant sector.