The agricultural sector’s reliance on migrant seasonal workers is, as we pointed out in 2018, unlike any other in the UK. There are obvious reasons why this is the case - physically demanding, low-wage seasonal work, in often rural locations far from population centres, can make the recruitment of domestic workers challenging. Wage differentials with poorer source countries can also make seasonal agricultural work in the UK an attractive and sometimes lucrative proposition for workers from overseas. The current Seasonal Worker Scheme (SWS) began life as a pilot in 2019 and will run until at least 2029.

A key argument for the existence of the SWS – other than shortage of local seasonal labour – is that of food security…

Our recommendations are structured around 5 broad ‘umbrella’ themes, namely…

…Provide certainty around the future of the scheme…

…Allow for a more flexible visa…

… Fairer work and pay for workers…

… Tighten, communicate and enforce employee rights…

… Give consideration to the Employer Pays Principle…

Ultimately, we believe that if the government intends to maintain current levels of domestic food production then there is a clear need for a SWS in the short-to-medium term….