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Brexit carries out uncertainty to British food industry, as almost half of their EU employees consider to leave. The food industry is the largest part of the British industry and relies heavily on immigrants. Although the debates in the UK have so far focused mainly on sectors such as automotive and aerospace.

A total 47% of companies in the British food industry, including farms, food processing companies, supermarkets and restaurants, say that EU workers see their future as a direct result of the vote in favor of Brexit. This shows the results of a survey comprised of several branch organizations.

Nearly one-third of the survey participants, made between March and May in 627 companies, say some of their EU staff have left. While Britain’s economy is slowing down this year, it is still not clear how the Brexit interact on the labor market. Last week’s official data show that people born in the EU and working in the UK increased by 1.6% annually in the second quarter. This is the weakest growth in 7 years.

The sharp decline in the number of EU workers eligible to work in the UK after Brexit will lead to significant shocks in the food supply system. This will affect the quantity and price of food in the UK.

The British food industry system employs about 20% of 2 million EU citizens working in the country.

The UK Prime Minister Theresa May said that the government will guarantee the rights of European citizens already living in the UK, but the details of the future immigration system remain unclear.

