CAS Recruitment Brings Proven Workforce Solutions to Irish Farming and Food Processing

As labour shortages continue to challenge agricultural and food processing businesses across Ireland, industry attention is turning toward recruitment models that combine regulatory compliance, international reach and sector-specific expertise.

CAS Recruitment, a specialist labour provider with a strong track record in the UK farming and food processing sectors, is increasingly being viewed as a credible partner for Irish employers navigating Ireland’s employment permit system.

Labour shortages and food security pressures

Specialist roles in butchery, meat processing and dairy farming remain among the most difficult to fill through domestic recruitment alone. While Ireland benefits from EU free movement, employers across rural and processing environments continue to report shortages in experienced, technically skilled workers — particularly during peak production periods.

The Irish Government has acknowledged these pressures, announcing in December 2025 the allocation of 1,000 General Employment Permits for butchers and deboners, alongside 800 permits for dairy farm assistants. These permits are intended to safeguard food supply chains, but quotas are limited and competition is expected to be high.

Lessons from the UK market

CAS Recruitment’s operating model has been shaped by its experience in the UK, where policy changes have significantly restricted access to overseas labour. In July 2025, the UK Government removed all Skilled Worker occupation codes relevant to agriculture and food processing, effectively closing off legal recruitment routes for many specialist roles.

Despite these challenges, CAS continued to support clients by optimising recruitment strategies within evolving legal frameworks. Over the last three years, the company has placed more than 3,000 skilled Filipino workers into UK farming and food processing roles, spanning butchery, slaughtering, dairy, poultry and swine operations.

Reflecting on this work, Andy Backhouse of CAS Recruitment said:

“Over the last three years CAS Recruitment has embedded itself into supporting British farming. I know first-hand the difference we have made by having the ability to bring new, skilled labour to the industry, and I am excited that we are now embarking on the same journey within Ireland.”

A compliance-led recruitment model

Central to CAS Recruitment’s approach is early-stage workforce planning and regulatory alignment. The company works closely with employers to assess operational needs, define skills-based job specifications and ensure roles meet employment permit criteria before applications are submitted.

CAS also supports clients through labour market needs testing, documentation requirements and permit timelines — areas that can present significant challenges for agricultural employers operating outside large corporate environments.

A key differentiator is CAS’s direct recruitment presence in the Philippines, where three group recruitment companies operate under shared governance and compliance standards. This enables end-to-end control of candidate sourcing, skills verification and eligibility screening, improving both compliance and retention outcomes.

Outcomes and retention

CAS Recruitment reports a 98% retention rate across placements made over the past three years — a notable figure in a sector often characterised by workforce instability. Employers cite improved operational continuity, stronger team integration and reduced recruitment pressure during critical production periods.

One such employer, David Drummond of Stranraer, described the impact on his farm after recruiting through CAS in early 2024:

“We recruited from CAS two employees in early 2024. Romel and Cesar settled in quickly and have been a breath of fresh air on the farm. Their previous experience and training meant they have quickly developed into a farm asset.

They get on well with other workers on the farm and have allowed the cow herd and farm to develop. I have managed to spend more time with my young family, and my wife has noticed a great improvement in my mood and happiness.”

Growing footprint in Ireland

CAS Recruitment is now expanding its presence in Ireland, having already supported Glenmore Estate with the successful placement of ten skilled dairy farm workers. The company also maintains established client relationships in Northern Ireland, many of whom are understood to be willing to act as professional references.

The business is a member of the Association of Labour Providers (ALP), operates in line with Stronger Together principles, and holds individual GLAA licences across its group companies — credentials that continue to carry increasing importance in a highly regulated labour market.

Looking ahead

As Ireland balances labour availability, regulatory compliance and food security priorities, recruitment providers with proven experience in international workforce mobilisation are expected to play a growing role.

For agricultural and food processing employers facing persistent skills shortages, CAS Recruitment’s compliance-led, sector-specific approach offers a model that aligns operational reality with national policy objectives. Contact +44 (0)114 470 23 47, email andy@casrecruitment.co.uk to discuss your workforce needs and how CAS Recruitment can help your business.