Is this the end of lockdown

[said]

With so many people having come out of work due to the virus - hundreds applied to the picker/packer farms for work. They were told that the jobs were oversubscribed and that they were not needed.

Just two hours ago - we are informed that around six charter planes had been employed to bring in Romanian workers to the UK to do the work.

So, British people have been rejected for these jobs. British people are not allowed to travel, most certainly not outside the country - but foreign workers are allowed to? So what is the lockdown for? A lot of carriers of the virus are asymtomatic - does that mean that there will be a second outbreak? What is going on?

[Toodles McGinty]

It's a skilled job, not pick your own punnet of strawberries.

Get skilled workers in or lose the harvest. Got absolutely sod all to do with a lock down. Any more than other people's jobs that are necessary.

There are lorry loads of freight coming into the country too. Food, medicine etc. Probably lots of those are foreigners driving.

I'd hope they are training up Brits to do the job next year, personally. Or kiss your fruit and veg ta-ta.

[Lamparilla]

I've read 3 different sources of that story, and they all say that they didn't get enough applications from British workers to fill all the vacancies, so that bit of the OP was presumably made up.

[Desert Region]

With so many people having come out of work due to the virus - hundreds applied to the picker/packer farms for work. They were told that the jobs were oversubscribed and that they were not needed.

Just two hours ago - we are informed that around six charter planes had been employed to bring in Romanian workers to the UK to do the work.

So, British people have been rejected for these jobs. British people are not allowed to travel, most certainly not outside the country - but foreign workers are allowed to? So what is the lockdown for? A lot of carriers of the virus are asymtomatic - does that mean that there will be a second outbreak? What is going on?

Finally, you've stopped ignoring that fact.

[seivad]

With so many people having come out of work due to the virus - hundreds applied to the picker/packer farms for work. They were told that the jobs were oversubscribed and that they were not needed.

Source please.

Just two hours ago - we are informed that around six charter planes had been employed to bring in Romanian workers to the UK to do the work.
]So, British people have been rejected for these jobs. British people are not allowed to travel, most certainly not outside the country - but foreign workers are allowed to? So what is the lockdown for? A lot of carriers of the virus are asymtomatic - does that mean that there will be a second outbreak? What is going on?

So you're dependent on experienced foreign labour... who knew?

Nothing new to see here. Long, long, before joining the EU British farmers used migrant labour to harvest their crops. Why do you think they are expanding the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme? ( introduced in 1945)

You want to buy food produced by British farmers, an admirable sentiment, you have to accept that the majority of it won't be picked by British labour.

[seivad]

Finally, you've stopped ignoring that fact.

Today. Tomorrow, maybe not!

[Desert Region]

Today. Tomorrow, maybe not!

I did notice that 'asymptomatic' was spelt incorrectly, with the Said account spelling rendered as 'asymtomatic'.

That could indicate:

• Said has paid scant attention to the term
• The lesser of the account peddlers is "in action"
• Said just can't help itself in taking the P

[said]

I've read 3 different sources of that story, and they all say that they didn't get enough applications from British workers to fill all the vacancies, so that bit of the OP was presumably made up.

Funny that! The agencies who get paid per foreign worker are saying one thing - while those who have lost their jobs due to coronavirus, and who are desperate for any work - are saying another! Depends on who you want to believe really?

Then of course - there is the lockdown? But that only applies to British people, not to foreign workers apparently.

[said]

I did notice that 'asymptomatic' was spelt incorrectly, with the Said account spelling rendered as 'asymtomatic'.

That could indicate:

• Said has paid scant attention to the term
• The lesser of the account peddlers is "in action"
• Said just can't help itself in taking the P

You are not from Southport are you? You come from further South, don't you? That would explain everything!

[local]

Where are the adverts for these picking jobs ?

[said]

Source please.


So you're dependent on experienced foreign labour... who knew?

Nothing new to see here. Long, long, before joining the EU British farmers used migrant labour to harvest their crops. Why do you think they are expanding the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme? ( introduced in 1945)

You want to buy food produced by British farmers, an admirable sentiment, you have to accept that the majority of it won't be picked by British labour.

There are many very angry people on social media! No we are not dependent on foreign labour - it is more that the picker/packer farms need cheap labour!

It seems to have struck a chord locally, anyway! I have never seen so many cars on the road, nor more people about since the start of lockdown. I do not think people are very happy!

Before migrant workers, before picker packers - the farming industry had ample workers drawn from the student population who needed to fund their education.

[local]

I do agree the roads today are busier than ever during this lockdown.

[said]

Where are the adverts for these picking jobs ?

They were advertised on the internet. Years ago, a farmer would require staff to pick a certain type of produce, and when that was completed the next product would be ready to pick - so the British workers had continuity of work. Now farmers produce a variety of produce in one go and there is only sufficient work for around three months - so the picker packers get laid off for most of the year. Because they are registered overseas labour - the agencies do not have to pay them while they are not working. Hence, cheap labour! Also British workers would not need accommodation as many applicants live in the area - the agencies make extra money by providing accommodation for the foreign workers - at a cost! The agencies ensure that labour costs are kept low - so the farming companies (usually overseas companies) continue to make high profits. So, to hell with any pandemic, now!

[Desert Region]

You are not from Southport are you? You come from further South, don't you? That would explain everything!

[Toodles McGinty]

You are not from Southport are you? You come from further South, don't you? That would explain everything!

Are you local, DR?