Industry bodies collaborate to organise webinar featuring Defra and Home Office officials
After continued engagement with Defra regarding access to labour, the British Poultry Council – along with AIMS and the NFU – have organised a webinar to discuss the future recruitment of seasonal poultry workers.
Prior to Government’s Immigration Bill coming into effect with the end of transition, Defra agreed to exempt food heroes in the poultry sector from Covid-19 quarantine measures in November 2020, following lobbying from industry bodies. Read our statement seeking the exemption here.
British Poultry Council Chief Executive, Richard Griffiths, said: “Without enough of a trained and qualified workforce, the level and quality of production will be significantly compromised. Industry is busy creating good jobs and developing the skills of their workforce. Government must also ensure that British poultry meat, and the quality it represents, stays affordable and available for all – especially during seasonal periods. If we lose control of how we feed ourselves as a nation, we risk penalising British food producers at a time when we should be taking matters of food security into our own hands.”
The webinar will feature Defra labour team officials and representatives from the Home Office and will explain how the EU Settlement Scheme works, with time to address concerns ahead of the Christmas season and share insight into opportunities for creating good jobs for UK food heroes.
The webinar will take place from 2pm-3pm on Thursday 29th April 2021.
