RABDF is becoming increasingly concerned about the effects Brexit may have on the use of EU-labour on UK dairy farms.  

As a follow up to our survey two years ago, we would like to identify potential issues re the EU-labour workforce within the dairy farming sector, and where it needs real support to maintain this labour set.

Secretary of state for Scotland, David Mundell has indicated there may be a case for limited and temporary schemes such as a return of a seasonal workers scheme, there is no guarantee that Brexit immigration controls will allow for long term skilled and unskilled EU workers. 

Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, David Davis has said that Britain will put British workers first after it leaves the EU, whilst Home Secretary, Amber Rudd has warned that foreign workers should not be able to ‘take the jobs that British people should do’.  Ms Rudd is planning to force British firms to prove they have done all they can to find UK workers to fill a vacancy.

Please take five minutes of your time to complete the following questions. Thank you.

Mike King
RABDF chairman

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* 1. Please indicate the size of your dairy herd

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* 2. Please indicate your principal farming activity (apart from dairy)

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* 3. Within the last five years have you encountered any difficulties in recruiting staff for your dairy farm?

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* 4. Within the last five years, have you employed any labour on your dairy farm from outside the UK?

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* 5. Were these workers highly skilled in dairy (ie able to do most of the jobs on a dairy farm) or low skilled workers (ie with limited abilities)

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* 6. Please indicate which countries you have employed EU-labour from:

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