The old adage that a business is nothing without its staff holds particularly true when referring to employees actually turning up of a morning.
For businesses reliant on seasonal immigrant workers there are now no guarantees they will be available.
There is a clear reason of course. The Brexit vote has left immigrant workers not only feeling unwanted, but also unsure of their rights.
Even so, it is still startling to learn that about one-third of the staff Loch Fyne Oysters relies upon from the Continent did not turn up last year.
Thankfully for Loch Fyne, agency staff were available, which combined with overtime for full-time workers, meant products were harvested in sufficient quantities.
Many producers may not be so lucky. And Cameron Brown from Loch Fyne Oysters said he fears this year’s peak season could present an even greater challenge.
As with many labour-intensive jobs in the food industry supply chain, the temporary workforce just doesn’t exist locally.
Brexiters ignoring what is happening on the ground within supply chains integral to the UK economy will have implications.
Ever since the Brexit vote, hospitality industry operators have been lining up to warn of staff shortages. And now that stories are emerging from businesses including Loch Fyne that the immigrant workforce is choosing to stay away, there is a real risk to Scotland’s globally renowned food and drink industries.
Mr Brown’s fears are real. They should be heard, and addressed, with assurances given to seasonal workers from the EU that they are welcome.
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