The UK's agricultural sector could be facing labour shortages as a result of Brexit, with the end of free movement of labour hitting seasonal fruit pickers. Just 1% of such workers are from the UK, with the vast majority coming from Eastern Europe, according to figures from the National Farmers Union. Companies have begun recruitment drives in such countries to meet the need for up to 80,000 workers a year. But there is also evidence that Brexit will hit British farmers hard.
The UK's agricultural sector could be facing labour shortages as a result of Brexit, with the end of free movement of labour hitting seasonal fruit pickers. Just 1% of such workers are from the UK, with the vast majority coming from Eastern Europe, according to figures from the National Farmers Union. Companies have begun recruitment drives in such countries to meet the need for up to 80,000 workers a year. Greater use of automated systems is being promoted as a way to address the issue, with the UK government investing £90m ($127m) on a programme to develop the technology.