The UK government has announced an extension of the Seasonal Worker visa scheme for the food and agriculture sector until 2029. This extension aims to address ongoing labor shortages and provide businesses with time to invest in automation and attract domestic workers.
Addressing Labor Shortages
In response to John Shropshire’s Independent Review, the government acknowledges the essential role of migrant workers in the food supply chain. The extended visa scheme offers stability for farms and food businesses, allowing for better planning of seasonal labor needs.
Key Details
- 2025 Visa Allocation: 43,000 visas for the horticulture sector and 2,000 for the poultry industry.
- Future Allocations: Visa numbers for 2026 to 2029 will be announced later this year.
- Reduction in Visas: A decrease of 2,000 visas from previous allocations and the removal of an additional 10,000 visas that could have been available based on demand.
- Five-Year Extension: The scheme will now run until 2029.
- Focus on Automation: The government is committed to supporting technological advancements to reduce reliance on migrant labor over the long term.
Attracting Domestic Workers
Alongside the visa extension, the government is working to make the food and agriculture sector more appealing to domestic workers through:
- Regional Recruitment Strategies: Developing plans to connect job seekers with local opportunities.
- Industry-Education Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships between educational institutions and food producers to bridge the skills gap.
Seasonal Worker Visa Overview
The Seasonal Worker visa allows foreign nationals to undertake temporary work in specific sectors in the UK, including:
- Horticulture: Up to six months for tasks such as picking fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
- Poultry: From October 2nd to December 31st for poultry production.
Applicants need a job offer from a registered sponsor and must meet the visa eligibility criteria.
Sponsorship Requirements
Employers must be approved sponsors under the Seasonal Worker route, with existing overarching bodies authorized to sponsor workers in poultry and horticulture. Individual employers cannot apply for a sponsor license under this specific route.
Ensuring Compliance
Employers granted a license must adhere to all sponsor duties, including additional responsibilities specific to approved scheme operators. Non-compliance could result in the downgrading, suspension, or revocation of the license.
The Migration Advisory Committee’s ongoing inquiry into the Seasonal Worker visa route is expected to be published in the summer of 2024, potentially offering further insights and recommendations for the scheme’s future.
The extended Seasonal Worker visa scheme provides critical support to the UK’s food industry while encouraging long-term solutions through automation and domestic workforce development. This initiative ensures greater stability for businesses and promotes a more sustainable agricultural sector in the future.
