Uncertainty surrounding the future of EU workers is having a severe impact on the 'farm to fork' sector of the UK's food and drink supply chain.

A new survey conducted by trade bodies shows found that almost half of businesses surveyed said EU nationals were considering leaving the UK, a third have already seen EU nationals leave since the EU referendum and a third said that their businesses would become unviable if they had no access to EU workers.

EU nationals number two million across the UK economy, with 20% of these workers employed across the food and drink supply chain.

In light of the findings, the survey has a number of key recommendations to Government which include legislation to secure the right of EEA nationals currently in the UK, ensuring that there is no cliff edge when the UK does leave the EU and investing in the skills provision for the food and drink supply chain.

Discussing the findings, Ian Wright CBE, director general of the Food & Drink Federation said:

“The UK food and drink supply chain ensures that consumers have access to the safe, affordable and delicious range of food and drink that they have come to expect. Food is a matter of national security, so the results of this report are of central concern to businesses across the 'farm to fork' industries. It is only a matter of time before the uncertainty reported by businesses results in an irreversible exit of EU workers from these shores. This is a scenario that will hurt the UK culturally and economically.

“Without our dedicated and valued workforce we would be unable to feed the nation. This is why it is imperative that we receive assurances from Government about their future, and that of our wider workforce.”