Brexit creates fears over future of EU workers

By Noli Dinkovski

- Last updated on GMT

Workforce fears: the director of Direct Table Foods worries about the impact of Brexit on the availability of labour
Workforce fears: the director of Direct Table Foods worries about the impact of Brexit on the availability of labour
The director at a UK pork processor has voiced his concerns over the impact of Brexit on his workforce and the wider sector.

Rob Nugent, operations director at Direct Table Foods (DTF), said he was at a loss to know how the food industry would have coped without the influx of non-UK EU nationals over the past decade.

He said: ”I shudder to think what the food industry would have done without the migrant workforce. We’ve achieved a lot with their hard work and support they’ve been good quality workers.”

Nugent claimed the DTF shopfloor based in Bury St Edmunds comprised more than 70% non-UK EU nationals. He added that many of them were apprehensive about their future.

He also expressed concern over the impact of tariffs on imports, particularly given that more than 50% of pork consumed here came from other parts of Europe.

‘Push price of British food up’

“Assuming we come out of Europe and the farmers don’t get the same subsidy support, then that will push the price of British food up. That is the worst-case scenario we see.”

Meanwhile, food manufacturers have been advised to take steps to mitigate the risk of abuse and harassment of EU nationals following the referendum vote.

The warning, from law firm Weightmans partner Phil Allen, came as the government announced it would review police handling of hate crime, following a sharp rise in incidents. Official figures showed there had been more than 6,000 hate crimes reported to the police since mid-June.

‘Hate crime’

Allen said: ”It is a sad fact that reports of abuse and harassment of EU nationals has increased since the decision to leave the EU, and it is important businesses in the manufacturing sector are aware of this issue and have steps in place to tackle any incidences quickly.

“So-called banter on the factory floor, such as comments like ‘when do you go back home?’ could be classed as unlawful harassment.

“Although it might be a bit overzealous to ban Brexit talk in the workplace altogether, it is important to address any issues head-on and not sweep any problems of potential harassment under the carpet,”​ said Allen. ”As an employer, you are still liable for an employee’s conduct.”

Meanwhile, for latest jobs in food and drink manufacturing, visit FoodManJobs​.

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