FANCY a job with Defra to help sort out the Brexit negotiations and the future of UK farm policy? Now's your chance.

The Westminster department – which has seen its staff numbers slashed over recent years under austerity-driven Government cuts – has just launched a major recruitment exercise for policy advisers working on food, farming and animal health policy issues.

According to a Defra spokesman, with Brexit fast approaching, this is an exciting time to join the department, offering an opportunity to help shape the development of food, farming and animal health policy, and ensure a strong and successful food industry.

The responsibilities being advertised include designing a new system for supporting farmers, to both improve the environment and farming productivity; to prepare for negotiations for EU and global market access for the food and drink sector, and support the long term growth of businesses throughout the food chain; and to develop policy on plant health and animal health and welfare that boosts the economy by supporting trade through better biosecurity, improving welfare and reducing the cost of disease.

Defra's recruitment ad also suggests that, while knowledge of food, farming or animal and plant health issues would be helpful, it is not essential.

The closing date for applications is June 12 and full details of the jobs on offer can be found at www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk