Justice Secretary David Gauke announced yesterday the government’s intention to put offenders to work in sectors likely to be hit by the UK leaving the European Union. This could include catering, retail, manufacturing and agriculture.
Farmers and their representatives have been raising the alarm about workforce restrictions after Brexit, with lots of agricultural work undertaken by migrant workers.
Vicki Hird, Food and Farming Co-ordinator at Sustain said: “We applaud the government’s call to look past an offender’s conviction and focus on their future potential. However, the Justice Secretary doesn’t seem to understand the needs of the agricultural sector at all. This initiative is no substitute for decent pay and working conditions for food and farming workers, that underpin thriving rural communities.
“We are calling for a new pay body for agricultural workers, enforcement for the Modern Slavery Act and an enhanced Seasonal Workers Scheme.”
You can read the Evening Standard’s version of the story here and if you’d like to know more about Sustain’s position on farming after Brexit, please click here.
Published Friday 25 May 2018
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
