November 25, 2019

Labour shortage hampering UK meat sector's production of festive favourites
 

The lack of labour in the United Kingdom's meat sector could tighten supply of some festive favourites this year, domestic meat processors warned.  

The squeeze on manpower is attributed to the the UK's decision to leave the European Union, making the country a less attractive place to work for migrant workers.

The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) told the Sun that there may not be enough workers to produce sufficient handmade products popular around Christmas, like devils on horseback or pigs in blankets.

"Packing plants need 10-15% extra labour to get everything ready. And this is a challenge at the moment because of Brexit," said Nick Allen, chef executive of BMPA.

"In order to guarantee access to safe, affordable and nutritious food in the coming years, the government must ensure that food producers have continued access to labour," said Shraddha Kaul of British Poultry Council.

According to Kaul, finding enough manpower is "becoming a massive challenge for the poultry meat sector" due to uncertainty of Brexit. As a result, many workers look for jobs outside the UK.

- Poultry World