MSPs have been warned that without freedom of movement between the EU and UK there will not be enough people to work in Scotland’s food and drink industry.
In its submission to an inquiry into Article 50 by Holyrood’s Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee, Food and Drink Federation Scotland say the shortfall in staff in the sector is going to hamper Scottish businesses and could even push up the price of food.
The dire warning from the trade body, which represents the food and drink manufacturing industry in Scotland, comes as UK Brexit minister David Davies embarks on the third round of negotiations in Brussels today.
The federation says there is a “projected requirement for an additional 19,000 new recruits by 2024 to fulfil the labour requirements of food and drink manufacturers” in Scotland.
Though it is “actively engaged in supporting development of homegrown talent via apprenticeship and graduate programmes”, it says this will not meet the shortfall.
The body goes on to add that the “inability to effectively draw on the EU27 population would have a significant detrimental effect on our members ability to meet their labour requirements, impacting on their ability to expand and export.”
The food and drink manufacturing sector in Scotland employs 36,000 people, about one in 20 of whom are from EU countries.
In total the sector has an annual turnover of more than £6.7 billion, about 18.8 per cent of all manufacturing turnover in Scotland, and the federation say food and drink should be given as much priority as the UK’s car and financial sectors when it comes to immigration.
“If we are to adopt a work permit system to control immigration, then it is vital that the whole of the food and drink supply chain receives equal treatment with financial services or the automotive sector at a UK level. All options should be explored including a workable points-based system for shortage occupations, sector-based and seasonal/guest worker schemes and effective transitionary arrangements.
“If it is not, Scotland will face less food choice and higher food prices.”
Meanwhile, in its submission to the committee, the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI), which represents 1,200 private- and public-sector organisations, says Brexit could create a “vacuum” for workers from European countries already living in Scotland.
It said it was important for the UK Government to offer certainty as soon as possible.
SCDI chief executive Mark Bevan added: “Scotland is heavily reliant upon a workforce that originates from other EU countries. Many sectors, from banking and finance, to hospitality and manufacturing, are supported by this labour supply.
“These workers all play a significant role in shaping and supporting Scotland’s economy and it is vital that is protected in any Brexit deal agreed. With one in 20 workers in Scotland born in other EU countries, employers urgently need certainty and clarity. Certainty that their current, and future, labour supply is protected.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel