Seasonal workers

NFU warns farmers could not afford to pay all Seasonal Worker Scheme costs

NFU horticulture and potatoes board chair Martin Emmett said he wanted to see a dedicated scheme for horticulture that did not ‘cross paths' with other initiatives or sectors

The Government confirmed 43,000 temporary seasonal worker visas would be available for horticulture in 2025 – which is 2,000 fewer than was available in 2024

It is part of a package of measures announced by the Government, which Defra said would provide ‘certainty' for the horticulture and poultry sector

From the outset, the Labour party has been clear the new Employment Rights Bill will be the biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation

Growers urge Government to back latest Migrant Advisory Committee review findings

Mr Rees-Mogg has been criticised by farming bodies after calling on 'cheap food imports' to replace seasonal workers in the UK

The Independent Review into Labour Shortages in the Food Supply Chain has been published today

Industry bodies have welcomed an announcement from Government that 45,000 seasonal workers will be allowed into the UK for the 2023 growing season.