Defra recruits 1,250 staff to make Brexit work
© REX/Shutterstock Defra has rejected suggestions it is unprepared for Brexit – saying it has taken on more than 1,250 extra staff to help make a success of leaving the EU.
The department spoke out following a report by think tank the Institute for Government, which questioned Whitehall’s preparedness for life after the EU.
A lack of experience at Defra meant the department faces a major challenge when it came to getting Brexit-related legislation through parliament, said the think tank.
See also: How to review your farm business to prepare for Brexit
The challenge was further complicated because agriculture is an area where powers have been devolved to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
This meant parts of the government’s forthcoming Agriculture Bill would need consent beyond Westminster if it was to establish a new UK-wide framework for farming.
Prolonged stand-off
Devolution has already led to a prolonged stand-off between Scotland and Westminster over the government’s EU withdrawal bill, said the Institute for Government.
The think tank said Defra’s core department had already grown by 65% – but it suggested it would take time for staff to get up to speed.
It warned: “‘Bums on seats do not necessarily result in the capacity required.
“New hires, who tend to be junior and mid-ranking civil servants, don’t bring the experience and authority of the senior civil service.”
Most affected
At the same time, the report said Defra was still expected to make savings of £130m to its resource budget this year – despite being one of the departments most affected by Brexit.
But a Defra spokesman said: “We have an extensive programme of work focused on delivering a green Brexit that will enhance environmental, animal welfare, and biosecurity standards.
“We have recruited around an additional 1,250 staff with the right skills, experience and leadership to make the most of the opportunities ahead.”
The department has previously prepared a YouTube video to encourage people to work at the department.