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<p>Defra continue to monitor the latest data and work closely with industry to understand
trends in labour demand and supply.</p><p> </p><p>The Office for National Statistics
estimates that around 29,000 people make up the permanent agricultural workforce,
with Defra estimating a further 67,000 seasonal workers. Industry sets this figure
at 80,000 - the majority of which are EU migrant workers.</p><p> </p><p>Defra’s best
estimate of seasonal labour shortages, using both Defra’s June agricultural survey
and the National Farming Union’s survey of labour providers, is that in June 2016
there was a shortfall of 3,231 seasonal workers, and in June 2017; a shortfall of
7,676.</p><p> </p><p>A new pilot scheme in 2019 will enable non-EEA migrant workers
to come to the UK to undertake seasonal employment in the horticultural sector.</p><p>
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