The Milk Development Council (MDC) has published a comprehensive fact sheet aimed at helping dairy farmers source labour from EU accession countries using the Accession State Worker Registration Scheme (WRS).

The fact sheet, 'Sourcing and Employing Staff from Overseas', will help farmers who are thinking about employing foreign labour to decide if it is the right option for their circumstances.

"Sourcing appropriate labour for milking and general work associated with running a dairy herd is becoming more and more difficult," says Charlotte Bullock, MDC Research and Development Manager. "A labour sourcing research study was carried out on behalf of the MDC and Lantra in 2001 detailing key issues for dairy enterprises, along with recommendations for change. The report highlighted, amongst many important issues, a small but significant shortfall in staffing."

"The employment of overseas staff was detailed as an option in the report," she continues. "It mentioned some of the potential difficulties in obtaining work permits and visas at that time. But, whilst serious consideration needs to be given to some of the potential social and administrative difficulties with EU Enlargement permission for EU members to work in the UK is now easier to obtain."

'Sourcing and Employing Staff from Overseas' includes guidance on where dairy farmers can start the recruitment process and how to go about it. Legislative, legal and physical factors, such as accommodation and language difficulties, are all highlighted. There is also a comprehensive section of further information sources, from contact details of recruitment agencies to information about the different government schemes that are available.

The fact sheet is free to all dairy farmers and is available from the MDC Publications Unit on 01285 646510, or via the website on www.mdc.org.uk.