Our sector wants to make its contribution to control the spread of the outbreak and protect lives. But we must also continue to produce food, which is recognised by the government as a critical work.
To prevent instances of police stopping and challenging employees or farmers about their normal course of business, the NFU has produced an essential journey certificate for members and their employees to carry with them when travelling to/from work or between different sites.
This can be downloaded here and used in order to show relevant authorities, if asked, what their role is in producing food in line with government requirements and adhering to public health guidance.
We would also suggest that an employer provides their employees with their own letter on their company letter head with the employers name and contact details on.
Please note that at this point, workers can travel to or from work if their work cannot be carried out from home and that there is currently no specific requirement or criteria on documentary evidence. This may however help deal with any issues on the ground and we are looking to support our members in any way that we can.
Frequently asked questions
Please ensure you keep up to date with government advice on gov.uk, here.
My land is used by other agricultural professionals, but they are not employees of my farm business.
Government advice states that you may leave your house to exercise and you should combine this with leaving your house to maintain the welfare of your animals. The NFU can only offer an essential journey certificate for members and their employees, but suggests that businesses provide anyone who is required to visit their land to maintain the welfare of animals with a letter on their company letterhead with the proprietor’s name and contact details on.
Agricultural Contractors should obtain a certificate from their employers on their company letterhead with their employers name and contact details on.
Agricultural engineers should obtain a certificate from their employers on their company letterhead with their employers name and contact details on.
