For the first time, 20 trade and industry groups sent a letter to the British government warning of a drop in quality and rise in food prices if EU nationals are forced to leave their jobs.
Food prices will rise without access to EU workers, warned 30 organisations, including @Foodanddrinkfed and @the_brc https://t.co/kbfEZ9LkTh pic.twitter.com/OdUFZhBC9R
— FoodManufacture (@FoodManufacture) December 9, 2016
In an open letter to Prime Minister Theresa May, 30 food and drink industry companies, associations and consortia representing major food suppliers and supermarkets, highlighted the need to protect the status of EU workers in Britain.
The letter read: "Workers from the European Union, some of whom are already leaving the UK, play a significant role in delivering affordable and high quality food and drink. [They provide] an essential reservoir of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled labor."
seen in bricklane — nice work @Reubendangerman #marmite #BrexitBritain #brexit #nahmate pic.twitter.com/wYeAUWsthN
— Matt Corbin (@MattCorbinsane) December 2, 2016
"All options should be explored, including a workable points-based system for shortage occupations, sector-based and seasonal/guest worker schemes and effective transitionary arrangements."
The letter continues to warn that if EU workers aren't protected, the UK would "face less food choice and higher food prices."
"The government can address this issue directly. It should offer unambiguous reassurance to EU workers throughout our supply chain about their right to remain here."
It calls for food and drink workers to be on a par with financial service workers, should the UK implement an immigration points system.
Britain's pound sterling has dropped by 19 percent since the UK voted to leave the European Union six months ago, leaving a bitter taste in many mouths and a more expensive food basket.
