Uncertainty caused by Brexit, and the devaluation of sterling against the euro since the EU referendum in June 2016, is having an effect on the ability of local agri-food processing companies to retain and recruit workers.

Reports suggest that it has now got to the point where some companies are having to share a workforce to keep shifts operational at peak times.

Recent analysis from the NI Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) indicated that the industry effectively faces full employment in the local labour market (those willing and able to work have jobs), and is therefore highly reliant on EU nationals, particularly from eastern Europe. Nearly half of all full-time employees are from the EU, and this rises to 91% when contract labour is brought in to meet demand at peak times.

However, a report by the London-based Migration Advisory Committee, which provides advice to government on migration related issues, has highlighted that the UK labour market is changing.