As the harvest gets underway, with a range of uncertainties for the season ahead, I thank Craig Hall for his message following this, which is exceptionally relevant.
With much at stake, both this season’s crop and our longer-term consumer quality reputation, the need to focus on the very best outcomes with limited resources is not just about fruit quality. To attract and retain a scarce seasonal workforce we must collectively ensure we’re good employers, addressing the varied needs of different cohorts of workers than we’ve typically employed.
This is unquestionably challenging: the desire for more accommodation in cabins and houses is not easily met when housing shortages already exist and are exacerbated by the house price boom; and with pressure on margins due to increased freight costs the ability to incentivise wages is difficult.
But, to get the crop harvested we must ensure we are good employers who do get all the simple and necessary things absolutely right, such as having written contracts for all staff, paying staff for statutory holidays, etc. If you’re unsure of your responsibilities as an employer, please get in touch with your local employers' chamber, or see our Employer Charter.
I wish you all the best for the harvest season, and as always, my staff and I are ready to assist you in any way we can.