As COVID-19 impacts upon food, farming and rural employers, the Yorkshire Food, Farming & Rural Network is highlighting useful sources of support and advice available to businesses in Yorkshire.
The region’s Business Growth Hubs have listed the various targeted packages of government support that have been announced so far to support businesses and people through the disruption caused by the pandemic.
Here’s where to find the information:
- York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership
- Leeds City Region
- Sheffield City Region
- Humber Local Enterprise Partnership
The Government’s full guidance for employees, employers and businesses can be found here, while the FSB (National Federation of Self-Employed and Small Businesses) offers guidance here.
The York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub has created a new Facebook group to connect people with the latest job shortages in the region – find it here.
Farming and landowner groups have also reacted by publishing bespoke online updates, including:
- A Coronavirus Hub set up by the National Farmers’ Union
- A new web page with all the latest advice and information from the CLA
The pandemic has led to a shortage of seasonal labour on UK farms to help pick and pack fruit and vegetables, and so British workers are being encouraged to apply for paid positions on local farms. For more details, visit the HOPS Labour Solutions website.
Workforce shortages were recently highlighted by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society in The Yorkshire Post. Read the article here.
An additional impact is the affect on trade at livestock marts. Detailed guidance for auction marts and traders in response to ongoing social distancing restrictions is available from The Livestock Auctioneers’ Association.
COVID-19 has come at a time when many farmers are counting the cost of recent flooding. Reacting to the difficulties this caused for farming businesses, the Government has made an extra £6m available to the sector through its Farming Recovery Fund.
Affected farm businesses in parts of East and North Yorkshire can apply for a share of the Farming Recovery Fund. Read more here.
This page is regularly updated. Please check back for the latest information.
