Coronavirus: Government website to get British people to pick harvest crashes
Farm labourer and fruit and vegetable picker jobs are listed on the website - but those who were interested could not access it.
Wednesday 20 May 2020 05:38, UK
The government's website to get British people to pick this year's harvest crashed within minutes of the environment secretary urging people to visit it.
During Tuesday's coronavirus briefing, George Eustice encouraged British people - especially those who are furloughed - to help out with this year's harvest, which starts properly in June, by going to the Pick for Britain website.
But minutes after his call the website crashed.
A government source told Sky News: "It has been up and running since April and already lots of people have found jobs from the site.
"So, it's not a case that it's a new platform that's not working.
"It was due to a surge in demand that the website crashed and we are increasing the capacity of the server at the moment."
Mr Eustice said only about a third of people who would normally come from overseas to help with the harvest are already here - and not many more are expected.
"We will have to rely on British workers to bring harvest home," he said.
"We have launched a new Pick for Britain website that enables people to go online, check what job issues there are, what job availability there is and to marry up job opportunities from growers and employers with those people seeking a second job - particularly those who are furloughed.
"We believe those who are furloughed may be getting to the point that they want to lend a hand, play their part. They may be wanting to get out or supplement their income with an additional job.
"If they do feel that way I would urge them to visit that website and look at the opportunities that are there."
Earlier in the day, Prince Charles backed the initiative by releasing a video in which he said "we need an army of people to help" if this year's fruit and vegetables are to be picked.
People on social media lamented the website crashing, with many saying they had eagerly gone to see if they could get a job but were disappointed.
Lexi Young tweeted: "Listens to daily briefing. Hears about Pick for Britain. Goes to website. Computer says no."
Steve Rumsby added: "I was curious about the Pick for Britain website just announced in the Downing Street briefing. Unfortunately..."
Georgina Harland said: "Tried to go on the pickforbritain.org.uk website - not available...#coronashambles."
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) supported the campaign earlier this month as it urged farm businesses, labour providers and recruiters to post job vacancies on the site ahead of it being promoted to the public.
The NFU also said growers told them there had been "an overwhelmingly positive response to the call for British workers to come forward this summer".
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Scotland secretary Alistair Jack earlier today called on Britons to sign up to work on Scottish farms, especially to pick soft fruit.
He said the government had already confirmed that those who have been furloughed and are allowed to work for another employer can pick produce while continuing to receive 80% of their salary from the government.