Food industry leaders warn of higher food prices without EU workers
The warning was issued in a letter published by The Guardian and has been signed by industry leaders such as Ian Wright, director general of the Food and Drink Federation; Kate Nicholls, ALMR chief executive; and Gavin Partington, director general of British Soft Drinks Association.
The signatories called on the government to recognise the importance of food and drink to Britain’s ‘economic and physical wellbeing’ during Brexit negotiations.
The letter said: “The government should offer unambiguous reassurance to EU workers throughout our supply chain about their right to remain.
“For the longer term, it is important to recognise that these workers are highly flexible and provide an essential reservoir of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled labour.”
The details that nearly four million people are employed in growing, harvesting producing, packaging, selling and serving food and drink.