Unite comment on latest national statistics produced by Defra

15th April 2008

Unite National Secretary Chris Kaufman, commenting on latest national statistics on earnings and hours of agricultural and horticultural workers produced by Defra, said:

“These figures demonstrate exactly why farm workers need a realistic pay increase. The agricultural industry is about to suffer a major labour shortage which in turn threatens food security with many migrant workers beginning to head for home, they can no longer pave over the cracks which emerged when people left the land because they could no longer afford to subsidise penny pinching employers.

“This years pay negotiations should result in employers sending a signal that agriculture and horticulture are industries which young people can make a career in, but only if they are given proper rewards for the job.”