Butchers look down under

Faced with a shortage of skilled workers in England, M Newitt & Sons of Thame decided to go for the chop and place an advertisement in a New Zealand newspaper.

The family-run firm in High Street is looking for someone with a knowledge of sausage manufacturing, curing, smoking and an ability to prepare meat to a high standard.

James Newitt, of M Newitt & Sons, said the company was keen to hire British butchers but had struggled with recruitment.

He said: "We are always looking to recruit and bring butchers into the business. We have had three people from New Zealand already.

"They come over on a short-term visa and it gives them experience in another country.

"We find their skills and educational and training systems are very good."

Mr Newitt said the shortage of butchers was partly down to the falling number of young people entering the industry.

He said a few people from New Zealand had emailed the firm about the job, but added: "Our primary aim is to recruit British butchers as our business expands.

"If there is anyone out there looking for work, please contact us."

Other butchers in Oxford said they had also found it hard to recruit new staff.

Ian Pavier, manager of Hedges Butchers in the Covered Market, said: "It is difficult sometimes.

"When we are looking for staff we can never find them and when we're not looking, we can that is the nature of the beast.

"None of the youngsters want to train any more. I've been here 27 years and have grown up with the business, but there has been a move away from manual labour.

"It is a skilled job but some of the young ones don't want to get involved in the industry and get their hands dirty."

A butcher from W H Alder, in Cowley Road, Oxford, who did not want to be named, said: "There is quite a high shortage. The trade got diabolical a few years ago with BSE scares and the way the big supermarkets are taking over."

Anyone interested in working for M Newitt & Sons should call 01844 212103 or email tgnewitt@aol.com