Training key to farming future
UK agriculture will struggle to attract new entrants unless it addresses the issues of farmworker training and long working hours.
An exclusive survey carried out by Farmers Weekly found almost one-quarter of farmworkers want to work less hours and have more time off.
More than one-third feel there are few opportunities to progress in their job, while 43% say they need more training to be able to do their jobs properly.
The survey of more than 1400 farmworkers found they receive an average 20 days’ paid holiday a year, while one in six receives no paid holiday.
According to the results, they work about 52 hours during a normal week, rising to 80 hours during peak times.
And while one-third of workers have a diploma and 17% are educated to degree level, 40% have not had any training in the past year.
Richard Longthorp, chairman of Lantra, the sector skills council for the land-based sector, said the results showed skills, career development and long hours were key challenges the industry faced.
“We need to address these areas if we are to attract not just new entrants but the best new entrants,” he said. “For it is the best people the industry needs to attract.”
The research shows the industry still has challenges to meet if it is to attract young people and high-calibre workers.
But despite complaints about hours and training, three-quarters of workers say they are happy in their job and 40% want to be in the same job in three years’ time.
More than half feel secure in their role and 56% say the conditions they work in are excellent.
Nick Padwick, Farmers Weekly‘s Farmer of the Year and guest editor of this week’s issue, said the results showed agriculture had a devoted and loyal workforce.
“But the industry is storing up problems unless we address issues of training and working hours,” he said.
“Even though people are devoted to their jobs, the culture of long working hours is something we need to seriously think about.
“I would like to see an industry that has training and safety at the heart of its worker development. Maybe then we could attract more people to the industry.”