Concern Over Christmas Pigs in Blankets Shortage Because of Brexit
Christmas dinner favourites pigs-in-blankets could be off the festive menu amid fears of a pork shortage as migrant workers leave the UK because of uncertainty over Brexit.
Seasonal migrant workers usually provide the extra manpower needed for the busiest time of the year on pig farms, abattoirs and processing plants.
According to industry body the British Meat Processors Association there is currently a 30 per cent shortfall of labourers in the run up to the festive season.
And that could lead to bacon, ham and pork being in short supply in the weeks ahead.
A spokesman told trade journal The Grocer that processing plants were ‘already approaching the point where they’re 10 per cent to 15 per cent down in terms of worker numbers, despite needing an extra 10 per cent to 15 per cent for the festive season.”
BMPA chief executive Nick Allen, said: “We were struggling for labour anyway and the run-up to Christmas is when it gets even tougher.