London – | 16 July 2024 (Global Pro Group) – In a comprehensive review released today, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has issued a series of recommendations aimed at reforming the UK’s Seasonal Worker Scheme (SWS). The review highlights the critical role that migrant seasonal workers play in the UK agricultural sector and outlines the need for significant changes to ensure the scheme’s effectiveness and fairness.
Much of this research was undertaken whilst the future of the scheme was in doubt, prior to the announcement of a 5-year extension to the scheme (and an expected tapering of visa numbers in order to encourage automation and domestic recruitment) announced by the previous government in May 2024.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The Seasonal Worker Scheme, initially launched as a pilot in 2019 and extended until at least 2029, has become an essential component of the UK’s agricultural industry. The scheme was established to address the shortage of domestic workers for seasonal farm work, a sector characterized by physically demanding and low-wage jobs in often remote locations. As outlined in the review, this reliance on migrant labour is unlikely to change in the short-to-medium term due to ongoing challenges in recruiting local workers.
The MAC’s review draws attention to several key areas where the SWS requires reform:
- Future Certainty: The review calls for greater certainty about the scheme’s future. It recommends that the government provide clear annual updates on visa numbers and any potential extensions to the scheme. This would offer employers and businesses stability and advance notice if the scheme is to be phased out.
- Visa Flexibility: To improve operational efficiency, the review suggests shortening the current ‘cooling-off’ period for seasonal workers from six months to three months and allowing workers to work any six-month period within a calendar year. This change aims to offer greater flexibility for both employers and workers.
- Fairer Compensation: The review highlights the need for fairer pay and conditions for seasonal workers. It proposes guaranteeing at least two months’ pay to help workers cover their costs and simplify the process for pension auto-enrolment and refunds of income taxes.
- Strengthening Worker Rights: Seasonal workers are particularly vulnerable to exploitation. The review advocates for a more coordinated approach to enforcing worker rights and clearer communication of these rights in workers’ native languages. It also emphasizes the need for better data to monitor and enforce these rights.
- Employer Pays Principle: The review addresses the financial burden placed on seasonal workers, who currently bear the costs of their visas and travel. It suggests further investigation into how these costs can be more equitably distributed along the supply chain to prevent debt bondage.
Context and Background
The Seasonal Worker Scheme, which has seen gradual increases in visa quotas since its inception, is set to see a slight reduction in horticulture visas for 2025. The review comes at a time when the future of the scheme was uncertain following a recent five-year extension and an anticipated reduction in visa numbers.
The MAC’s review involved extensive research, including stakeholder engagement, site visits, and data analysis. Notably, the review incorporated feedback from workers in key source countries such as Kyrgyzstan, which has become a significant provider of seasonal workers for the UK.
Looking Ahead
The review underscores the importance of maintaining the Seasonal Worker Scheme to ensure continued domestic food production and support rural economies. However, it also points to the need for long-term strategies to reduce reliance on migrant labour through increased automation and improved domestic recruitment.
The recommendations, if implemented, could significantly impact the agricultural sector and the lives of thousands of seasonal workers. The MAC urges the government to consider these recommendations carefully to address the current challenges and prepare for a sustainable future in the sector.
For more information, read the full review here.
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