NFUS letter to keep workers moving

Food producers have welcomed a template letter which can be shown to police who stop agricultural workers who are undertaking necessary journeys.

The letter, issued by NFU Scotland, is designed to be printed on company headed paper and demonstrates the holder is an employee of the firm and is “absolutely essential” to the operation of the business.

The move comes after reports of a number of agricultural workers, including in Angus, have been stopped and questioned by the police about their movements.

Group secretary of NFU Angus, Jeremy Parker, said there had been a positive response to the letter.

He said: “I am aware of instances where staff have been stopped in Angus.

“Of course it is valid for the police to stop people as part of a strategy to reduce movement and we hope the use of this letter, which is only to be issued to essential employees, will help people get on their way faster.” The letter comes as the NFU launches an online resource for farmers and crofters to keep up to date with Covid-19 issues.

The website covers a range of issues, including employment, quality assurance and specific commodity updates and information for employers whose staff members must travel to enable continued food production.

The site also contains an interactive map showing farms that are actively recruiting staff.

There are currently 24 farms recruiting, from Redhouse Farm near Inverurie, to Woodbank Farm in Fife.