Farm work visa deal gets mixed welcome
Politicians divided on initiative for agricultural labour
News that a deal has been reached to offer seasonal farm workers who live outwith the EU temporary work visas has been criticised for not going “nearly far enough.”
The announcement comes after this year saw a shortage of labour in the fruit picking industry which has led to problems in Perth and Kinross.
Across the UK 2500 visas will be made available to workers for six months during the transition period as the UK exits the European Union.
Perth and North Perthshire MP, Pete Wishart, praised the action being taken to help Perth and Kinross farmers but thinks more needs to be done.
He said: “I am glad to hear that the UK Government is starting to listen to the voices of Perthshire farmers over the lack of seasonal
Luke Graham MP hopes the government will go a step further with the scheme
workers, but this trial scheme doesn’t go nearly far enough.
“The Scottish Affairs Committee conducted a report into immigration in Scotland and
MP Pete Wishart thinks the farmer scheme needs to do more
one of the biggest issues that came up was the restrictions placed on the agricultural sector because of the lack of seasonal work.
“Two thousand five hundred workers across the entirety of the UK is quite frankly absurd.
“Farmers in my constituency have already acknowledged that this number is abysmally low.
“This goes to show that despite numerous photo opportunities with ministers over the summer, Scottish Tory MPs have achieved very little to help Scottish farming communities.
“It is about time that powers over immigration were devolved to the Scottish Parliament so that a proper Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme can be introduced to prevent produce from rotting in the fields.”
Scottish Conservative MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, Luke Graham said: “I am delighted with this boost to our agricultural industry across the UK.
“The pilot will help address some of the current shortfall in agricultural labour and will be welcomed by the agricultural industry, especially in Ochil and South Perthshire.
“However, it will need to be adopted fully if labour demand is to be met.
“I hope the government will go a step further, if the pilot proves successful, and ensure a Seasonal Migrant Scheme is introduced fully and with the capacity required to support this iconic British industry.”
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSPs, Murdo Fraser and Liz Smith however have welcomed the initiative which will take place between spring 2019 and December 2020.
Mr Fraser said: “This is welcome news for farmers across Perth and Kinross and Fife and it demonstrates that the UK Government is not only listening to their concerns but is also acting on them.
“My Conservative colleague, Kirstene Hair, has worked hard on behalf of farmers in Angus to lobby the UK Government and her work will be hugely appreciated by fruit farmers in Mid-Scotland and Fife who have struggled to recruit labour this year.’’