Following an initial survey in January 2018 on labour shortages in horticulture, Teagasc Horticulture Development Department commissioned a detailed report on the horticultural labour market during the summer. The focus of this survey was to surface facts about labour shortages in the various sub-sectors of horticulture production. Growers reported a significant tightening of the labour market over the past 18 months. The survey was conducted before the announcement of the DBEI pilot work permit scheme in May, which provides for 500 horticulture work permits. It appears applications for the scheme were low due to severe weather conditions and that the scheme had come when growers were already into their busy season (scheme announced on May 14).
Following the main production season, interest in the scheme is growing and horticultural producers are currently applying to the scheme for current requirements and for arrangements for the 2019 season.
The main findings of the survey are:
● There is a 14% vacancy rate across the horticulture industry
● 67% of respondents stated that it was undermining their confidence to expand
● 57% reported that they were finding it difficult to maintain current output
● 90% of growers used “word of mouth” to recruit staff with most relying on this method
● Growers cited accommodation as a challenging issue when employing new staff. 53% cited that the cost of accommodation was excessive with 43% reporting nothing suitable was available.
The HIF (horticulture Industry forum) is in the process of making recommendations and proposals on the survey findings. ✽
