Guidance on workplace Covid safety for a smooth harvest 2021

Farmers are being advised to remain vigilant to the dangers and risks of Covid-19 ahead of this year’s harvest.

The latest government guidance across all the devolved nations is for many of the rules that have been implemented since the beginning of the pandemic to be relaxed over the next couple of months.

With the number of reported Covid-19 cases on the rise, concerns have been raised about the effect of this on agriculture’s workforce.

See also: Covid-19 Q&A: Practical farming queries answered

If workers contract the virus or have to self-isolate after being in contact with someone who tests positive, businesses could be without key staff during harvest.

Most important time

Phil Cookson, partner at Roythornes Solicitors, said while the government is trusting the public to be sensible, this may mean different things to different people.

“Farmers need to be more acutely aware than ever that you only get one chance for your harvest, and it’s the most important part of the year,” he said. “It’s even more difficult this year to get any staff, so the last thing you want is to be losing a load because of Covid-19.”  

Employers should pay close attention to the formal guidance about the next stage of rule relaxations when it is published, and be aware of the potential consequences, Mr Cookson advised.

For example, if it is confirmed that those who are double vaccinated do not have to self-isolate, there could still be concerns about them spreading the virus to other members of the workforce.

Any businesses allowing employees to congregate inside – perhaps to eat – should stop, and anyone delivering food or drinks to workers in the field should wear gloves and a mask, said Mr Cookson.

It makes sense to avoid sharing equipment and machinery, but where this is not possible, kit should be cleaned before and after each operator’s use.

How to communicate

With the rules changing, employers cannot ban their staff from, for example, going to the pub or discipline them if they do.

“You can’t compel workers to do that, but you can encourage it by saying: ‘We have worked hard to get here, and we’re going to work hard to get the crops in. Just think of the additional burden you’ll be putting on your colleagues if we lose people through Covid’,” said Mr Cookson.

“It may be worth a reminder that anyone off from Covid-19 only gets statutory sick pay and if the employee wants to be earning money and getting overtime, acting sensibly is a win-win.”

With long-term employees, it is difficult to insist they take a Covid-19 test or share their results. However, it is worth saying this would be appreciated, and as the employer has a duty to protect the health and safety of all staff, someone who is clearly unwell but refusing to take a test may have to be sent home, said Mr Cookson.

“It’s all about tone and not making any demands, but ensuring everyone is on the same page and doing it for sensible reasons,” he said.

For seasonal staff, employers can implement procedures such as making regular testing (provided by the employer) and reporting  positive results contractual obligations.

“This year, the real concern is that there isn’t any spare labour in the market anywhere,” said Mr Cookson.

Further concern

An NFU spokesman said: “We recognise that some farmers will be concerned about how Covid-19 may affect harvest. We know that some haven’t been going to the recent shows as a precaution.

“There is also concern that the inevitable additional demand that comes from harvest could exacerbate the existing logistical problems with haulage and drivers.

“An important part for businesses is identifying particular problem areas and being prepared to deal with the disruption cases of Covid-19 or an order to self-isolate could cause.”