With this in mind, the National Farmers’ Union and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have worked together to identify measures to support UK growers in attracting and retaining workers.
The DWP can act as a point of contact between businesses and the unemployed and help identify candidates that have the right skills and attributes for the roles. This more targeted approach has been announced in the hope it will minimise the recruitment challenges that arose during 2020 and ensure that jobseekers have a clear understanding of the sector and the skills needed.
For the plan to work, businesses must advertise their vacancies on Find a Job and engage with DWP, who will be able to assist employers with specific recruitment needs.
Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said: “Our country is bursting with fresh talent and DWP’s collaboration with the NFU will help jobseekers boost their skills and reap the benefits of experience in the agriculture sector. From Penzance to Peterhead, our Plan for Jobs is supporting people to get back into employment and thrive in new work – and I strongly encourage employers to use our Find a Job site to recruit for these important roles.”
To find out more about the collaboration, visit https://www.nfuonline.com/sectors/horticulture-and-potatoes/horticulture-and-potatoes-news/horticulture-businesses-contact-dwp-for-help-with-domestic-seasonal-recruitment
With farmers and growers facing such pressure to recruit workers, it is vital that they don’t fall prey to criminal gangs. For help in understanding how exploiters operate and what signs to look out for, download the Farm Work Welfare App on Google Play and Apple App Store or visit https://www.theclewerinitiative.org/campaigns/the-farm-work-welfare-app