Chairman of the AHDB Pork Board Mike Sheldon said: “With the unprecedented challenges being placed on the pork sector, AHDB is working with industry and government to identify ways in which we can all help levy payers during these difficult times.

“These challenges, in particular a shortage of skilled workers, come on top of pressure on margins largely due to rising feed costs. These issues are extremely concerning and therefore require industry-wide action to prevent the situation deteriorating into an animal welfare issue.

“AHDB is already undertaking work to help the sector, including providing independent evidence to Government setting out the seriousness of the situation, and looking at how together we can support meat processors to ease the supply of labor.

“As well, AHDB’s wider approach has resulted in the AHDB Pork Board agreeing to a one-month levy holiday to help ease the burden of the financial pressures faced by levy payers. AHDB has asked for Ministerial approval for this step.”