Labour shortages are continuing to impact the agri-food sector according to IFAC the professional services firm that specialises in the sector.
Many employers are seeking to recruit staff from abroad and IFAC is reminding Tipperary employers of the criteria for employment permits.
As many as two in every three business owners in the agri-food sector find it difficult to hire employees according to ifac’s 2022 Food & Agribusiness Report.
Lack of available skills, low interest in roles, high salary expectations and intense competition for candidates were the main barriers highlighted by employers when asked about their hiring difficulties.
Employers in the meat industry, along with dairy, horticulture and pig farmers, are already looking beyond the EU to find suitable candidates for vacant roles.
IFAC says when managed correctly the permit system can benefit both employers and employees and ultimately the overall sector and consumers.
In addition, IFAC advises employers to create an attractive culture in their business to make recruitment easier.
Employees from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), UK or Switzerland, require an employment permit to work in Ireland which must be granted before the prospective employee can commence employment.
Roles must be eligible for permits, carry a minimum salary of €30,000 and over 50% of current staff must be EU citizens. Applications can take up to 16 weeks to process and IFAC offers to complete applications for prospective employers.
