Update

Immigration rule changes threaten vital worker supply for meat industry

Industry
August 8, 2025

New restrictions to the Skilled Worker visa scheme are set to impact the UK meat industry by making it nearly impossible to recruit butchers and other key roles from overseas. British Meat Processors Association CEO Nick Allen warned: “It is a major concern and utter frustration for us that they keep turning the screw… without really addressing the major problem of immigration.”

With visa eligibility tightening and salary thresholds rising, the BMPA is urging the government to reconsider changes to visa rules before the impact on production and profitability becomes irreversible.

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The British Meat Processors Association represents the majority of companies working in the British meat industry.

We are the UKs largest trade body for the meat industry and provide expert advice on trade issues, bespoke technical advice and access to government policy makers

We are proud to count businesses of all sizes and specialties as members. They range from small, family run abattoirs serving local customers to the largest meat processing companies responsible for supplying some of our best-loved brands to shops and supermarkets.

We are further strengthened by our associate Members who work in industries that support and supply our meat processing companies.

We are the voice of the British meat industry.

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