The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) have called on the government to re-allocate any unused seasonal poultry visas to the wider meat industry
“We have heard from three of the four government nominated labour providers that they have 1500+ seasonal poultry visas as yet unallocated,” said Tony Goodger, a spokesperson for AIMS.
“It is probably safe to assume that the other business will also have a surplus.
We have written to Defra [Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs] suggesting that these seasonal poultry worker visas now be offered to beef and lamb abattoirs and catering butchers in order that they can use them in the run up to Christmas and the New Year.
“The Prime Minister recently spoke of the need for Christmas 2021 to be better than last year and it is our view that this means better for consumers and businesses,” he continued.
“Many of our catering butcher members are telling us about shortfalls in their staff numbers and have a very real concern that they won’t be able to satisfy demand from the Hospitality sector during December.”
“We have made this suggestion to Defra officials but at present their view is that reallocating any visas will be very difficult from a political perspective.
Our view is that if the country to build back better and deliver the Christmas that our members need, and consumers want that butcher worker visas need to be made available.
“We are not asking for new visas to be issued, just a re-allocation of unused butcher visas.”
