The results of recent research looking at the UK's growing skills shortages shows that less than a quarter of working age adults would consider applying for a job in agriculture. Unfortunately, is seems that working age adults are shunning many of the essential jobs that keep the UK running, from food production and logistics to health and social care. Just a quarter of working age adults would work in social care (25%) and healthcare (26%), and only 22% would work in food production, agriculture or animal care.
With more than three million essential job openings expected in the next five years, including 340,000 brand new jobs, many farm employers, who are already reporting extreme skills shortages, are set to struggle even more.
Kirstie Donnelly, CEO City & Guilds, said the research showed that low salaries, unattractive working conditions and a lack of respect for critical jobs were to blame. She warned that these reasons were having ‘a catastrophic impact on the ability of employers to fill these roles’.
Source: farminguk.com