THE CLA has written to police and crime commissioners across the North of England to ask them to ensure that officers within their force are correctly briefed on who is able to travel during the coronavirus lockdown.

The letter has been deemed necessary due to reports of contractors being stopped by police officers and asked to return home.

CLA director North Dorothy Fairburn said: “While we recognise the excellent work the police are doing to challenge those who are making unnecessary journeys during the coronavirus lockdown, yet it is vital that those who cannot work from home are still able to go about their business.

“Unfortunately the guidance from Government is not very clear so we have sought further clarification. The official line remains that those who can work from home must do so and others who cannot must observe social distancing rules while going about their work.”

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has advised all rural employers to issue a letter to all staff for any essential travel re the food supply chain. The essential travel letter can be downloaded from their website