UK: Migrant workers, incl. from Asia & South America, allegedly subjected to labour abuse under Seasonal Worker Scheme, amid concerns over its extension
"Seasonal workers: no halt to exploitation as visa scheme expands"
In February 2025, the UK government announced the Seasonal Worker Scheme would be extended for a further five years...
For years, advocates and workers have spoken out about exploitation and abuse under the scheme. They’ve campaigned for significant reforms, arguing exploitation is built into the scheme’s design. High and opaque costs to the worker, visa time-limitations and restricted work options make people vulnerable to abuse in British fields...
David* is from Central Asia. After he lost his job in his home country, he was recruited to work on a British produce farm in 2024.
“At first when I came here, it was very interesting. It was a new country, new experience for me,” he said. But the novelty quickly wore off. “We were very tired. You’re just working and standing, like robots.” Speaking over the phone, he said he worked 12 hours a day, six days a week and was regularly made to work on rest days as well.
Moreover, a culture of bullying, overwork and racist abuse pervaded David’s work on the farm. He said Central Asian colleagues were discriminated against, often made to clean for hours after their shifts had finished while other workers simply clocked off…
Julia said cruel treatment was the norm. “We were screamed at all the time. They treated us like animals.”…