Farms and food production facing seasonal labour shortages as consumer demand grows

Farmers and food producers are calling for British workers to fill a growing labour shortage in the industry.

The lack of people power could affect harvests due to start next month.

Industry experts say that filling seasonal vacancies is "crucial".

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The seasonal workforce usually required on British farmers was historically filled by people coming from overseas.

But agriculture sector says that the "points-based" immigration system introduced by the government earlier this year, combined with a clampdown on international travel because of coronavirus, mean filling vacancies will be very difficult.

The labour shortage comes at an acutely difficult time for food production, as demand continues to rise.

The British Retail Consortium, which represents grocers and supermarkets, said the surge in buying was "like Christmas," but "without the four month build in planning."

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