Quota threat to sugar job;
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m by Guy Sheppard
A European Union proposal to cut sugar production of member states could cost hundreds of jobs in one of the most vulnerable sections of UK road haulage, industry leaders warn.
Production quotas could be cut from next year to give ThirdWorld countries greater access to EU markets and reduce the price of sugar to ELI consumers. Chris Carter, director of agriculture for British Sugar (BS), says about 1,500 hauliers would be affected as the 14 million tonnes of sugar, beet and related products they carry annually fell by 15%. He warns that this figure could rise to 40% after five years once the new suppliers gained a foothold.
John Bridge, national chairman of the Road Haulage Association, says it is backing the BS campaign to block the scheme and will discuss the issue with government ministers before Christmas. "It will affect some of the most vulnerable people in the industry— people who are already badly affected by other factors."
Over the past year, sugar beet haulers have had to accept tough new delivery schedules from BS, exten them to up to 16 hours a (CM3-9 August).
BS figures show that UK's sugar beet Industry ge ates more than 600,000 hau movements a year It estimates that a 15% qi cut would cost 3,450 jobs v a 40% cut would cost 9,200, and .228m worth of hau business a year.