The Cumbria Farmer Network is asking for employers to back a newly established Farm Labour Emergency Support Scheme (FLESS).
The intention of the scheme is to create a register of available emergency farm labour, and to be able to marry up suitable workers with farm businesses.
The Farmer Network Ltd has created FLESS in response to a call from farming businesses which require emergency help as a result of their keyworkers being absent due to the impact of coronavirus.
Employees who have been or are due to be placed on furlough leave by their employers, have the opportunity to volunteer or obtain paid employment during furlough leave through the new FLESS initiative.
Through the scheme, the Cumbria Farmer Network hopes to ensure that farm businesses can continue to run and remain in production, and also that animal health and welfare is not compromised. The farming industry is essential to keep the food supply chain going and make sure there is fresh produce on the shelves for us during this unprecedented time.
Anyone who can help or who requires help should visit https://www.thefarmernetwork.co.uk/projects/farmer-labour-emergency-support-scheme/ to download the following: Emergency Labour Offer Form; Emergency Labour request; Emergency Farm Contingency Plan.
