Interesting letter from leaders of the UK food industry in The Times today. Not sure if it's been posted previously:
MIGRANT LABOUR CALL
Sir, The result of the EU referendum presents particular challenges as well as opportunities for the UK food chain. A settlement that recognises the critical role of the UK food chain will demonstrate how Brexit can be beneficial not just for our sector but for the wider economy too. We represent the four UK farming unions and 71 leading food businesses, with a collective turnover of more than £92 billion and employing more than 925,000 people across the UK.
For our sector, maintaining tariff-free access to the EU single market is vital. It is where 75 per cent of our food exports go, so all our farming and food businesses wish to achieve this outcome. The sector needs access to EU and non-EU seasonal and permanent labour, alongside assurances that EU workers already working permanently in the UK are allowed to remain.
This access to labour is essential as it underpins the UK food chain’s timely delivery of high-quality, affordable food to consumers. We urge the government to pursue both these goals, for the benefit of the whole of society and the economy.
Mark Allen, CEO, Dairy Crest; David Potts, CEO, Wm Morrison; Mike Coupe, CEO, J Sainsbury; Tomas Pietrangeli, managing director, Arla Foods; Steve Rowe, CEO, M&S; Andrew McInnes, managing director, Müller Milk & Ingredients; Giles Turrel, CEO, Weetabix; Richard Clothier, managing director, Wyke Farms; Meurig Raymond, president, NFU; Allan Bowie, president, NFU Scotland; Barclay Bell, president, Ulster Farmers Union; Stephen James, president, NFU Cymru. Plus a further 63 food businesses
