...but unfortunately, the Brits don't seem at all keen on stealing them back again. The Economist reports that:"Invoking the Women’s Land Army that kept the nation’s farms going throughout the second world war, the British Growers Association is trying to recruit a new “Land Army” to fill a shortfall of some 70,000 workers. The government’s “Pick for Britain” campaign similarly aims to tap into the wartime spirit.So far Britons seem largely unmoved by the appeal to patriotism. Concordia, Fruitful and hops, three agricultural recruiters that have formed the Ethical Alliance of Labour Providers, say that 32,000 have applied, but only 13% have so far turned up for online interviews.Even if enough native workers can be found, that may not solve the problem. Britons have a reputation for being work-shy. “Often, you have people who want to start, and we’ll say, come on Tuesday or whatever, and then they simply don’t turn up.” says Sebastian Hall, a recruiter in Suffolk."Too much like hard work for some!
Richard Carter ● 2243d