NFU horticulture board member and one of the UK’s leading fresh and frozen fruit growers Anthony Snell has told the Low Pay Commission (LPC) that horticulture businesses face high wage increases due to the implementation of the national Living Wage (NLW).
On a sun-drenched day in Hereford the LPC took a tour around the wonderful array of raspberries, strawberries and blackcurrants being grown on farm, and discussions focussed on both the impact on growers and the consequences to customers of the Governments rushed introduction of NLW.
Anthony told commission representatives: “The national living wage was brought in by the Chancellor with no industry consultation and the proposed annual rises of nearly 7% are totally unsustainable. Such drastic wage increases cannot be afforded unless our customers are prepared to put up the prices to the consumer, who are presently enjoying superb value!
“There continues to be clear support for quality British produce from the public and it is unfortunate that inevitable price increases will be the only way to mitigate the introduction of the national living wage.”
Anthony and NFU Hort & Potatoes board chair Ali Capper showing LPC around the farm
Discussions included a look at the NFU commissioned Anderson Report which features case studies that show the full impact of NLW on farmers and growers.
Anthony who was joined by NFU horticulture board chair Ali Capper, NFU’s Lee Osborne and NFU Herefordshire Adviser Clare Greener, told the LPC: “Horticulture and in particular the soft fruit sector is unique in that we use seasonal workers for up to six months a year. A considerable proportion of this short but vital employment time is taken in induction and training, which are very costly to our industry but ensure the highest standards of quality and health and safety in the world.
Anthony sharing the impact of the NLW with the LPC representatives on farm
“Most developed countries have seasonal worker schemes in place for Horticulture and we would strongly welcome and encourage a return to the successful SAWS scheme system which was stopped a few years ago despite huge concern from UK Farmers and Growers."
The LPC is an independent body that advises the government about the National Minimum Wage.