UK Food and Drink Stakeholders Call on Government to Allow EU Workers to Stay

12 Dec 2016 ---The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and a range of other stakeholders in the UK food industry have called on the British government to offer “unambiguous reassurance to EU workers” that they can remain in the UK following the Brexit vote. In an open letter addressed to the government, the stakeholders point out that EU workers are already leaving in the wake of the referendum result and the devaluation of sterling.

The stakeholders say that to stop others from leaving then the government needs to offer an assurance that EU workers will be allowed to stay and to continue working in a food and drinks industry which could not function without them.

The penning of the letter comes amidst a clamour for the government to disclose more details about what kind of Brexit deal it is looking for as it exits the European Union.

Theresa May, the prime minister, has refused to guarantee the rights of EU citizens currently living in the UK, saying she believes that the government must not “reveal its hand” ahead of Brexit negotiations, which will begin when she triggers Article 50 next year.

It is also unclear as to whether the government will look to implement a hard Brexit, which is likely to cut the UK off from the Single Market and control EU migration levels, or a soft Brexit which could mean staying in the Single Market and less control on EU migrants coming into the UK.

The letter says: “For the longer term it is important to recognise that these workers from the EU are highly flexible and provide a reservoir of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled labour without which the industry could not function. In fact, in some sectors of the food chain EU workers predominantly work in skilled and semi-skilled roles.”

“If we are to adopt a work permit system to control immigration, then it is vital that the whole of the food and drink supply chain receives equal treatment with financial services or the automotive sector.”

“All options should be explored including a workable points based system for shortage occupations, sector-based and seasonal / guest worker schemes and effective transitionary arrangements. If they are not, the UK will face less food choice and higher food prices.”

“The food and drink industry has not always spoken with one voice. Today it has come together in the national interest to make the strongest possible case for UK food and drink. That voice must be heard and heeded.”

Stakeholders who have signed the letter include British Poultry Council, National Association of Cider Makers and the British Beer and Pubs Association.

by John Reynolds