Rule Change Offers Relief For Growers Facing Labour Shortages

The UK government has announced an important update to the Seasonal Worker Scheme that will make it easier for horticultural businesses to retain skilled seasonal staff across multiple crop cycles.

From 11 November 2025, seasonal workers will be able to spend up to six months in the UK within any 10-month period, allowing them to return earlier than was previously permitted. The change shortens the mandatory gap between visits, improving flexibility for both workers and employers.

The adjustment is designed to support greater continuity across key production windows – for instance, enabling workers to move more easily from early spring crops such as daffodils and asparagus into summer fruit and vegetable harvests without unnecessary delays.

The update follows sustained calls from the fresh produce sector for a more adaptable system to help tackle long-standing labour shortages that have led to unharvested crops and increased waste. Industry leaders have described the rule change as a significant step forward, providing growers with the confidence to plan staffing levels more efficiently throughout the year.

While the move has been widely welcomed, growers are continuing to seek long-term clarity over visa allocations for the Seasonal Worker Scheme beyond 2025. For now, the policy revision is expected to ease immediate pressures and help the sector secure a more stable and productive workforce ahead of the 2026 season.