Outrage erupts after migrant butchers found to be paid MORE than British workers
The meat industry has warned that migrant butchers could be paid more than British workers due to new immigration rules and a post-Brexit labour shortage
PA
The meat industry has warned that migrant butchers could be paid more than British workers due to new immigration rules and a post-Brexit labour shortage.
In April, new laws introduced by the Conservatives saw the salary threshold for a skilled worker visa surge by more than £12,000 to £38,700.
Previously, those brought in were paid the same as a similarly qualified UK worker - a starting wage of £26,200.
The industry is struggling to recruit nationally with EU citizens making up 70 per cent of abattoir employees.
The meat industry has warned that migrant butchers could be paid more than British workers due to new immigration rules and a post-Brexit labour shortagePAThe British Meat Processors Association said: "It forces companies in need of migrant workers to take on overseas butchers at £38,700."
Experienced butchers can earn up to £40,000.
High salaries for migrant butchers could prompt equal pay lawsuits from UK workers, the British Meat Processors Association added.
"If they can recruit neither British nor overseas workers they’re left with one choice – contract their business and reduce the number of animals they buy from British farmers and the amount of food they produce in the UK," the association said.
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Abattoirs could also be forced to scale down if vacancies are not filled.
"British livestock farmers can’t survive without abattoirs," the association added.
"It will expose the UK to risks beyond our control like wars, climate change-driven shortages and export bans where supplies are suddenly cut off."
The new laws have triggered outrage online, with one user writing: "So this is literally 'Paying migrants more than British, doing same job, to help migrants to come over to Britain'!"
Another said: "So working Brits that are working and paying taxes for everything, maybe struggling to pay their mortgage, will earn less than those that have had all the handouts, a leg up and will now earn more? Have I got that right?"
A third added: "That can’t be ok. Equality laws!"
Abattoirs could also be forced to scale down if vacancies are not filled
PAHowever, others have hit back at "misleading" statements.
One user wrote: "The law is changing to hopefully reduce migration and encourage employers to train British people in skilled roles rather than just employ cheap skilled workers from abroad. If you want to recruit foreign labour the salary offered must be at least £38k."
Another said: "What’s wrong with that? The business will offer the jobs to British workers first."
A Government spokesman told The Telegraph: "We have set out a clear plan to bring down historically high levels of legal migration by linking immigration, the labour market, and skills systems to ensure we train up our homegrown workforce and address the shortage of skills.
"We will introduce a new deal for farmers to strengthen our food security and drive rural economic growth."