FURLOUGHED staff are to be asked to pick fruit as second job to help with the British harvest.
The Environment Minister George Eustice revealed the Government was looking at encouraging Brits to help out in June due to a lack of staff.
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The pandemic has meant around two-thirds of migrant workers haven't travelled to Britain, leaving farm bosses needing around 60,000 staff.
Speaking at the Downing Street press conference, Mr Eustice claimed the idea was being looked at due to a shortage in migrant labour.
He said: "We are acutely aware we are about to start the British season in fresh produce in soft fruits and salads.
"We estimate that probably only about a third of the migrant labour that would normally come to the UK is here.
"We are working with industry to identify an approach that will encourage those millions of furloughed workers in some cases to consider taking a second job helping get the harvest in in June.
"We do anticipate there will be a need to recruit staff for those sectors in the month of June."
The furlough scheme means companies forced to close temporarily due to coronavirus can use an online portal to claim 80 per cent of wages for its employees.
Claims are capped at £2,500 per month for each employee, so Brits earning more than that face a financial hit.
Payments can be backdated until March 1, 2020, and have to be for a minimum of three weeks.
The government's website for applications for the scheme opened this Monday.
It is estimated up to 60,000 fruit and veg-pickers are needed after closed borders and cancelled flights stopped many European migrants flocking here for summer jobs.
Farms have appealed to furloughed Brits to earn some extra cash from June while they wait to return to their normal work.
Thousands have already signed up to the Feed the Nation scheme, many of them with no previous experience of agricultural work.
They are in highest demand in key farming regions including Kent, Worcestershire and the East of Scotland.
Fruit-picking is just one of many jobs where workers are urgently needed to keep the country ticking over so the rest of us can stay at home and heed the health advice.
Packers, postal workers, delivery drivers, shelf-stackers and warehouse staff are among the most in demand.
Those keen to fill vital vacancies can now access opportunities in critical sectors through a dedicated online portal.
Employment Minister Mims Davies is also urging more Brits to channel their Bulldog spirit and join in with the national emergency effort to meet fresh demands of the economy in these troubled times.
She said: “The nation’s response to this health emergency truly has brought out the best of British. Millions are making huge sacrifices to protect the NHS and save lives, while those on the frontline roll up their sleeves and get on with the job – showing the determination, grit and bravery that define our country.
“I offer my endless thanks to those already doing sterling essential work and we want to match others who are keen to get involved with the critical roles that are out there right now.
“This new jobsite does just that – whether it’s sorting parcels, helping pack online groceries or getting out on land helping with the summer harvest , these are the jobs critical to keeping the country well fed and ticking over while putting cash in the bank.”
With more people stepping up and plugging vital gaps in our army of essential workers already doing their bit, they will join millions already serving on the frontline of the nation’s response to COVID-19, helping keep the country running.
Government guidelines require all employers to follow up to date advice on protecting employees in the workplace, including observing social distancing.
The DWP site also has more than 14,000 important vacancies working across health and social care.
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