INTERNATIONAL SHEEP shearers have been given the go-ahead to assist with the UK's national shearing effort this summer.

With quarantine issues in the UK, New Zealand and Australia due to Covid-19, delays are expected, which has prompted he National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) to run a Shearing Register again in 2021.

Non-visa nationals have been granted a special concession to travel to the UK, between April 1 and June 30, but all those entering will only be allowed to stay for a three month maximum period.

Due to expected complications as a result of the ongoing pandemic, NAAC has encouraged farmers to get in touch with shearers early to avoid possible disruptions.

Commenting, NAAC chief executive, Jill Hewitt, said: “It is a big relief that the concession is now in place and we can start putting together the necessary paperwork for shearers to safely enter the UK.

"This will be another difficult year, working within Covid restrictions, but the NAAC has liaised with Government and UK industry to publish a Covid Shearing Checklist to ensure that shearers, wool handlers and farmers co-operate to keep everyone operating safely and to high standards of animal welfare."

The NAAC is supplying its members with the necessary paperwork to smooth the entry process and is requesting that the NAAC is notified of all shearers visiting the UK so that rapid assistance can provided if any issues arise at customs.

A checklist has been created for shearers and farmers which includes the necessity to maintain a minimum of two metres separation wherever possible and that face coverings are mandatory in indoor workplaces, including sheds that are 50% enclosed.

For the full checklist visit https://www.naac.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Coronavirus-NAAC-Checklist-on-Shearing-for-Shearers-and-Farmers-V7-2021.pdf