The NFU is warning that farms could be critically short of seasonal workers to harvest fruit and veg this year.

A survey by the organisation shows that the number of seasonal workers coming to work on British farms has dropped by 17 per cent since the beginning of the year.

Farmers have told the NFU that they are unable to recruit sufficient workers to fill their needs.

Uncertainty over Britain’s future relationship with the EU and a weakened pound have contributed to the situation, said the NFU.