A VIRTUAL job centre could be the answer for farmers searching for workers this summer.

Farmers and growers in North and East Yorkshire are invited to sign up to a new virtual job centre that will link those looking for seasonal summer work with farm vacancies.

The idea has been launched by the National Farmers' Union (NFU) to help farmers meet the challenge of finding workers to help during the peak harvest periods.

Farmers can list their job needs which will then be posted on the NFU's website, www.NFUonline.com.

NFU Board For Horticulture member, Peter Wensak, who has responsibility for employment, said: "The NFU is regularly contacted by people looking for seasonal work out-of-doors.

"The virtual job centre will allow the NFU in future to connect callers, via the internet, with those looking for casual staff.

"All we need now is for farmers and growers to let us have the details of their seasonal vacancies."

The job centre service is only available to NFU members. Farmers who are interested in the scheme should email nfu@nfuonline.com

Updated: 09:54 Wednesday, June 11, 2003