British farmers need an estimated 500,000 workers across the food supply sector as the pandemic and Brexit have driven thousands of foreign pickers away. Some farms will pay workers up to 60% more to combat the shortage.
To meet rising demand, vegetable growers around the UK are offering to pay pickers, packers, processors and drivers up to £20 an hour (£30 on a weekend). While workers will be offered more for their time, it's expected this sharp rise will feed through to supermarket shelf prices.
Naylor Farms in Lincolnshire, the largest grower of cabbages in the UK, wrote an email explaining details of the crisis: "To keep people, we have raised wages by 60% to nearly £20 per hour for packhouse staff and from this week we are having to pay them to turn up at £20 a day for a weekday and £30 for weekends. This now is unsustainable. Yes a lot of us voted out [on Brexit] and now we have this problem!"
Despite the government implementing visa schemes to allow in extra agriculture workers from the EU, experts warn this won't work as they must be recruited on the basis they are skilled.
According to the Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD), the situation has reached crisis point, with fears of empty shelves looming. James Bielby, the chief executive, told the MailOnline: "We are concerned enough to suggest that the government considers having army trucks on standby to ensure there are enough vehicles and drivers to distribute food.
"The product manufacturers who supply into the wholesale channel have similar issues with drivers, and our members reporting particular difficulties getting soft drinks, beer, and chilled products like cream, cheese, yoghurt and meats."
In other news, fruit farming is also on the 'brink of collapse' as Brexit caused a shortage of pickers. One Kent-based company reported applications were down by 90% in the last two years, with less Brits applying for jobs.
Back in March last year, UK farms also appealed for seasonal workers to help them work the land. With thousands of people laid off from the hospitality sector due to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, there was an urgent need for more help.
11 pretty picnic blankets for outdoor dining in style
This M&S foldaway picnic rug leans into the popular 1970s interior trend with its punchy colour combination and retro-inspired chequered print.
Pair it with the matching serving tray and snack bowls for a coordinated dining scheme.
This blanket’s tropical print makes it a fitting choice for summer — mainly as it’s reminiscent of sunny holidays relaxing on the beach.
Earthy tones will complement the green motif, so style it with a woven picnic basket and wooden dinnerware for a rustic look.
This blanket, part of Dunelm’s ongoing collaboration with the National History Museum, is designed to celebrate the wonders of the natural world.
Its vibrant print will create a cheerful and inviting atmosphere for garden gatherings and family picnics. Style it with simple, minimalist tableware so that the eye-catching pattern remains the focal point.
This blanket’s rainbow stripes add a modern twist to the classic Herringbone pattern, making for a stand-out piece.
Mismatched dinnerware in various colours will add to the fun, or stick to neutral accessories to make the multi-coloured print pop.
Mountain Warehouse’s patterned picnic blanket is ideal for camping or hiking — it's lightweight, easy to carry around and folds up compactly.
Its playful puppy print will appeal to dog lovers, whether you’re treating yourself or gifting a fellow pet owner.
This hardy picnic blanket is both stylish and practical, allowing you to set up your meal just about anywhere! It's lightweight and can roll up into a bag meaning it's easy to move around. And it's also waterproof, meaning no one needs to get soggy if you're sat on damp grass or sand.
Helpfully, there's also a hole in the middle for a parasol or umbrella, and best of all, this can be machine washed.
Experts in teatime treats and alfresco dining, Fortnum & Mason knows how to make a quality picnic blanket.
In the luxury department store's signature Eau De Nil colourway, this one is crafted from pure new wool — a durable fabric that can withstand frequent use and is naturally resistant to odours, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Pair it with a famous Fortnum’s food hamper for a fancy picnic.
Beachwear brand BukawaSwim has meticulously considered every detail on this picnic blanket, from using upcycled materials and non-toxic dyes to its citrus design inspired by the French Riveria.
It's also reversible, so you can easily switch between the pretty orange design and a neutral green, while the tasselled border adds some extra texture and interest.
Oliver Bonas is one of our go-to retailers for eclectic, quirky homeware — so, naturally, we can’t resist the brand’s outdoor collection. This picnic rug, complete with a playful checked pattern and contrasting colours, will add a splash of colour to any alfresco setup.
For a fresh and modern look, style it with white or grey dinnerware — or embrace the colourful aesthetic by adding pops of pink and yellow to your picnic arrangement.
At two metres long, this extra large picnic blanket will allow you to spread out food, drinks and other picnic essentials without feeling cramped. Its sand-proof backing makes it suitable for beach days, making it easy to brush off excess sand once you pack up – and it's very affordable, too.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
