The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has said it is pleased that the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recognised how “significantly important” the Seasonal Workers Scheme (SWS) is in its review.
The review, which was published yesterday (Tuesday, July 16), made recommendations centred on provide certainty around the future of the scheme, more flexible visas, fairer work and pay for workers, enforcing employee rights and considering the ’employer pays principle’.
NFU president, Tom Bradshaw, said the union appreciates recognition of the importance of the scheme to domestic food security, set against a “backdrop of global instability and climate change”.
“It is especially pleasing that the review reinforces the NFU’s call on the government to provide certainty about the future of the scheme, allowing food producing businesses to plan ahead,” he said.
“Worker welfare is a top priority for our members. We continue to engage with all parts of the supply chain to ensure the skilled people who travel to the UK to help produce food for the nation have a positive experience.
“The government has pledged to introduce a single enforcement body and we look forward to working with them on this. The industry is already highly regulated and audited, so it is important to limit the level of duplication.”
Further detail needed
Bradshaw said there are recommendations made by the MAC, including the points made around the employer pays principle and employment length, which the union will need to look at in further detail.
He said the NFU will need to explore how these points would impact the range of farming businesses it represents.
“As highlighted by the review, certainty is key to the success of the scheme for British farmers, growers, workers and consumers alike,” he said.
“Therefore, it is vital that the new government commits to a five-year rolling scheme and reviews the costs associated to ensure all businesses can access the scheme.
“Certainty is the currency with which businesses trade and having this commitment would help to restore some of the lost confidence of British farmers and growers. “
