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<p>The ongoing impacts of the Coronavirus outbreak have meant that there will be a
shortfall in the numbers of workers who usually travel to the UK from Europe to work
during the harvest season, with the demand for workers peaking from late May through
the summer.</p><p>Farming leaders have already kick-started a recruitment drive for
work on farms, with thousands of British people already expressing an interest in
picking up seasonal agricultural work over the coming weeks and months. With many
British workers furloughed from their jobs, and students having to put their summer
plans on hold, the Government is supporting industry efforts to help farmers bring
in this year’s harvest, working to build on these numbers.</p><p>The majority of roles
for the early part of the harvest season have already been filled. We are closely
monitoring the situation and we will shortly be launching a public- facing campaign
to highlight the roles available from late May onwards and to encourage people to
apply. The Government has confirmed that those who have been furloughed from their
jobs due to coronavirus, and who are contractually allowed to work for another employer,
can take on this seasonal work.</p><p>A new Government-industry digital hub for seasonal
work information and job opportunities has been launched to provide guidance on getting
into farm work and links to the available jobs and recruiters. The website can be
found at pickforbritain.org.uk and will be updated regularly over the coming weeks
to help match jobs to workers as the demand grows.</p>
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