A VEGETABLE grower in a county town is searching for willing workers to join its team this Summer to offset a labour shortage.

Without enough pickers and packers, fresh produce is at risk of spoiling.

Andrew Green, owner of AS Green & Co in Malvern, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in soaring demand for fresh produce, but with tighter border controls and travel restrictions in place, many UK farmers have been left with a labour shortage, putting their produce at risk.

“In-line with the Feed the Nation campaign, we are looking for local workers to join our family team.

"Not only does the role provide the opportunity to work in a safe, healthy environment throughout the summer months, but it also enables those who have been financially impacted by the pandemic to boost their income, without jeopardising the support they will receive through the Government furlough scheme.

"They will also be playing their part in keeping the nation stocked up with fresh, healthy home-grown produce.”

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The recruitment drive comes as the Government confirmed that the growing number of staff furloughed due to the coronavirus crisis will be allowed to take on paid employment and keep their full salary from their second job, as well as the 80 per cent they receive from their furloughed position.

NFU West Midlands regional director Robert Newbery said the union was staying in close contact with its extensive network of Worcestershire and Herefordshire farmer and grower members to gather and relay important sector and coronavirus information.

He added: “Like everybody we are concerned with developments and how the virus is evolving, farmers are feeding into us so we can build up a picture of the impact on their businesses.