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<p>Defra is aware of the impact that labour shortages are having on the food supply
chain and we continue to speak regularly with the sector and other government departments
to understand labour supply and demand, including both permanent and seasonal workforce
requirements.</p><p> </p><p>To inform future decisions on labour across the sector,
Defra commissioned John Shropshire to carry out an Independent Review into Labour
Shortages in the Food Supply Chain throughout 2022 and 2023, considering how automation,
domestic labour and migrant labour could contribute to tackling labour shortages in
our sectors. This report was published on 30 June 2023 and the government response
– which will also be informed by the Review of Automation in Horticulture – is expected
to be published in early 2024.</p><p> </p><p>At the same time as the response, the
government will set out how it will support the sector to access the labour it needs
alongside actions to reduce the sector’s reliance on migrant labour including via
our work on automation and promoting domestic labour procurement and training.</p><p>
</p><p>Alongside this, the Government announced last May that there would be 45,000
Seasonal Worker visas for the horticulture sector in 2024, with a further 2000 for
seasonal poultry workers, ensuring these sectors can plan their workforce needs for
the year ahead with confidence.</p>
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