Labour Shortages Agriculture and Fishing 2022-09-08
2022-09-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Labour shortages affecting agriculture and fishing sectors, particularly seasonal workers needed during peak times.
What recent steps have been taken by the Government to help ensure an adequate labour supply for (a) agricultural and (b) fishing industries in Scotland?
The Government are working to ensure that UK agriculture and fishing sectors secure the labour they need. They have expanded the number of people in the seasonal worker route to 40,000 for horticulture and poultry in 2022; commissioned an independent review into labour shortages in the food supply chain in England; and launched a £10 million skills and training scheme in August 2022.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Labour shortages leading to food waste due to inability to recruit sufficient seasonal workers post-Brexit.
Given that the new Prime Minister pledged to expand the seasonal worker scheme if elected, when will this be done?
I think we need to give the Prime Minister longer than 48 hours to deliver on that commitment. The Government have already expanded the number of people in the seasonal worker route to 40,000 for horticulture and poultry in 2022; commissioned an independent review into labour shortages in the food supply chain in England; and launched a £10 million skills and training scheme in August 2022.
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Assessment & feedback
Providing a specific timeline for expanding the seasonal worker scheme.
Giving The Prime Minister Longer Time
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Salmon Scotland reported very low unemployment and limited labour availability, with processing factories understaffed.
What steps will the Minister take to ensure that fishing communities and processing sites have the necessary supply of workers?
The seasonal agricultural worker scheme is a huge opportunity for people to come to the UK to support the sector. The Government will continue to expand this scheme as they negotiate with the Home Office to make sure it works, but he would not erect a border between Scotland and the rest of the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
Providing specific steps to address worker shortages in fishing communities.
Discussing Border Issue Instead
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Seasonal worker scheme is essential for the fruit sector in Faversham and Mid Kent.
Can my right hon. Friend assure me that it will be extended, and improved—and sooner rather than later—so that British consumers can continue to enjoy British fruit?
The seasonal worker visa route was extended to 2024 in December 2021, allowing overseas workers to come to the UK for up to six months each year to harvest edible and ornamental crops. The Government announced an extra 10,000 visas for the seasonal worker route.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Record levels of unemployment but challenges recruiting staff for dairy farms, abattoirs, and food sector.
Can I implore the Minister to venture up to Montgomeryshire agricultural shows to discuss these important labour shortages?
Recognises the contribution of Welsh farmers and celebrates low unemployment, but acknowledges challenges. The Government have the seasonal agricultural worker scheme which they will continue to expand as they negotiate with the Home Office.
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Assessment & feedback
Providing assurance on visiting Montgomeryshire.
Discussing Contribution Of Welsh Farmers And Low Unemployment
Response accuracy