The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has urged the UK Government to maintain the issuance of visas to seasonal workers and enhance the flexibility of the Seasonal Worker Scheme (SWS).
Their recommendation highlights the essential role that migrant labour plays in the agricultural sector, particularly in tasks such as fruit picking, which are crucial for maintaining food security.
The MAC's report underscores the significant dependence of the UK’s agricultural industry on seasonal workers, many of whom come from abroad to fill labour shortages that cannot be met domestically.
Agriculture’s reliance on migrant seasonal workers, for jobs like fruit picking in the summer, is “unlike any other in the UK”, due to “physically demanding low-wage seasonal work in often rural locations which can make the recruitment of domestic workers challenging,” the MAC said.
The body’s chairman Professor Brian Bell said: “Our review recommends the Seasonal Worker Scheme should continue to operate to ensure food security across the UK.
“It is challenging for the agricultural sector to recruit domestic workers on a seasonal level, however, there must be greater consideration given to workers’ welfare and pay. More transparency and communication is key in combating any potential exploitation.”
The committee's call to action includes recommendations for improving the welfare, pay, and rights of these workers, ensuring they are treated fairly and are provided with adequate working conditions. These enhancements are seen as vital for attracting and retaining the necessary workforce.
Furthermore, the MAC suggests that the government should make visas under the SWS more adaptable. This flexibility could involve adjusting the number of visas issued based on the fluctuating demands of the agricultural sector, ensuring that farmers have access to the labour they need during peak seasons.
Additionally, the committee recommends clearer communication from the government regarding the future of the scheme to provide certainty for both employers and workers.
While advancements in automation and technology have the potential to reduce the reliance on human labour in agriculture, the MAC notes that such solutions are not yet fully viable for all tasks. Therefore, continued government support for seasonal workers remains crucial.
The committee also emphasises the need for investment in research and development to advance automation technologies, which could eventually mitigate the sector's dependence on migrant workers.
In summary, the MAC's report calls for a balanced approach that includes both the ongoing support for seasonal migrant labour and the promotion of technological innovations to ensure the long-term sustainability and productivity of the UK’s agricultural sector.
The full implementation of these recommendations could help secure the future of food production in the UK while also safeguarding the rights and welfare of the workers who play a key role in this industry.
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