Spalding area horticultural and agricultural firms concerned about future after new immigration rules

Worries have been raised about the future of some horticultural businesses in the area without a supply of migrant workers to bring in crops.

Yesterday, the Government announced the points based system that will require overseas workers to speak English, have specific skills and a job offer with a £25,600 minimum salary.

There will be a seasonal workers pilot for up to 10,000 agricultural workers in 2020.

Sue Lamb, of Lambs Flowers, Pinchbeck, says that the ornamental horticultural industry is often ignored – despite being worth £1.3billion in 2018 – and cannot operate without migrant labour.

She said: “Unless something drastic happens, we are going to see this industry squeezed out. For this area, it is very serious as an awful lot of people are employed and a lot of companies are solely reliant on seasonal workers or general migrant workers for ornamentals.

“Without migrant workers this industry is non-operational. It
will have an enormous impact. Not just on family businesses, but larger businesses will be going out of
business.

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“Whether we like it or not, if we are growing plants and flowers, the industry is hungry for people and investment.”

Mrs Lamb, who employs 60 workers, is calling for more information on what is classed as “low skilled”, as forklift drivers and her workforce have vital skills for the industry.

The Government is calling for industries to look at automation.

Mrs Lamb, who does have two robots, said: “Where the Government think we are on automation and where we are actually is 10 years difference.”

Lincolnshire Farm Products represents 12-14% of the national brassica crop and employs up to 250 people cutting during the summer.

Managing director Robin Hancox said automation is still a long way off from being commercially viable, despite the hard work which is currently going on.

Mr Hancox, who is seeing a greater demand for local produce, said: “We rely quite heavily on seasonal labour to harvest our vegetable crops but we need more clarity from the Government on what is ‘low’ and ‘unskilled’.

“We regard our staff as skilled and highly valued members of our team. It takes a lot to get the cut right and present the vegetable properly. We have very stringent specifications.”

NFU President Minette Batters has also expressed concerns and said: “Failure to provide an entry route for these jobs will severely impact the farming sector.”