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Robert Sullivan farm labour market

GSC Grays warn minimum wage rise could impact farm labour market

Britain’s farming businesses, already facing significant financial pressures, could be seriously impacted by the decision to raise the minimum wage by more than a pound to £11.44 per hour from April next year.

Robert Sullivan, head of farm business at GSC Grays, said: “The rise in the minimum wage will increase costs at a time when farmers, especially those operating smaller farms, are battling to afford and retain the necessary labour.

“The minimum wage rise could potentially make other industries more attractive to work in, so the only option farmers have will be to increase wages still further. Farm labour is becoming a very scarce commodity in the industry and there is a great deal of concern as to where we are going to find replacements for existing farmers and farm workers who are going to retire in the next 5-10 years.”

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