Secretary of State questioned on farm and food sector labour shortages
11 November 2021
The Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee examines the government response to the labour shortage crisis in the food and farming sectors of the economy.
- Watch Parliament TV: Labour shortages in the food and farming sector
- Inquiry: Labour shortages in the food and farming sector
- Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Witnesses
Tuesday, November 16 2021
At 2.30pm
- Rt Hon George Eustice MP, Secretary of State, DEFRA
- David Kennedy, Director-General, Food, Farming and Biosecurity, DEFRA
This is the third evidence session in the Committee’s inquiry into the subject. Previous sessions have taken evidence from representatives of farmers, food processors, retailers and economists.
The session focuses on the Government’s response to the labour shortage to date – including the additional visas it is granting for foreign poultry workers, HGV drivers and pork butchers.
MPs may ask what more needs to be done on visa matters and the government's view on using foreign labour, including for seasonal work. The Committee may also ask the Secretary of State what government can do to attract more British workers to the sector.
Access to Parliament is limited due to Covid-19 restrictions but members of the public and journalists can watch the proceedings on Parliamentlive.tv
Further information
Image: Parliamentary copyright