Agricultural Labour 2021-10-27
2021-10-27
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the concern that agricultural sectors are facing a shortage of labour, particularly affecting poultry and butchery workers.
What assessment has been made of the availability of agricultural labour in Northern Ireland and its impact on the profitability and viability of that sector?
We are moving to a high-wage, high-skilled economy and the Government are encouraging all sectors to rely increasingly on workers from the United Kingdom. However, we have listened to the concerns of the sector, making 5,500 poultry workers eligible to enter the UK for work.
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Assessment & feedback
The impact on profitability and viability of agriculture in Northern Ireland is not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows concerns that the agriculture sector is unprepared for Brexit, particularly in terms of migration and skills shortages.
It is all very well saying they are eligible to come in, but the industry is telling us its ability to deliver the food needed, especially for Christmas, is jeopardised by Government failure on both migration and skills. How can a passionate pro-Brexit Government be so ill-prepared?
When people voted to leave the European Union, they wanted us to level up the United Kingdom and increase wages for the workforce. I wish he would join me in promoting Northern Ireland's agri and food sector, including companies such as Kennedy Bacon and Ballylisk Dairies.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about preparedness is not addressed; instead, emphasis is placed on economic benefits of leaving the EU.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a long-standing dependency of agriculture on overseas workers, even before recent EU migration.
For many years, agriculture in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK has been very dependent on overseas workers. Will the Minister do everything he can to ensure that agriculture in Northern Ireland can still access the crucial seasonal and overseas workers needed for food supply resilience?
My right hon. Friend speaks with great authority on these matters. There has been extensive engagement with the sector, and we are listening carefully to their concerns.
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Assessment & feedback
A specific commitment to ensure access to overseas workers is not provided.
Response accuracy