Seasonal workers who feel like ‘slaves’ at risk of trafficking: Report

Workers coming to the UK to pick fruit and operate in agriculture are at serious risk of forced labour and human trafficking, groups warn.

A report conducted by Focus on Labour Exploitation (Flex) and the Fife Migrants Forum warns the scheme that allows people from overseas to work in agricultural roles, including soft fruit picking, is at risk of exploitation.

They found workers were at direct risk of human trafficking as a result of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SWS) pilot, which was introduced following the end of freedom of movement after the UK left the EU.

The worker entry programme has been criticised from the outset, with farmers concerned not enough people were being granted permission to work in the high season, which would have detrimental effects on soft fruit production.

It is understood this is the first survey of its kind to focus on the experience of workers on the seasonal scheme.

Workers have claimed they are made to feel like “slaves”, the report uncovered.

Accommodation provided to overseas workers is often mouldy, with damp prominent, as well as being dirty and unhygienic.

Workers reported having no washing facilities other than a paid service where a woman took their clothes and returned them wet.

They were prohibited from drying clothes in the caravan so their farmer offered them a polytunnel in which to dry clothes. This was leading to continuously damp clothes, they claimed.

People who complained about working and living conditions were threatened with termination of employment and a majority of workers felt they were pressured into doing more work than they had time for.

Billy Lynch, interim manager at Fife Migrants Forum, said: “Throughout the term of the research I became increasingly concerned about the infringements experienced by workers and the desperate situations they found themselves in.

“My concern has turned to both shame and anger. People from other countries, due to their experience of this pilot, view Scotland in a very poor light, where some can even feel like slaves. I’m angry that in 2021 we can still ride roughshod over basic human rights.”

Flex chief executive Lucila Granada said: “The report reveals that the SWS is increasing the risk of human trafficking for forced labour in the UK agricultural sector.

“The evidence calls for an urgent review of the scheme.”

Iain Brown, chairman of NFU Scotland Horticulture Working Group, said: “Migrant workers are a vital asset to Scotland’s fruit, vegetable, and ornamental plant producers, and they are a critical part of the sector’s success.

“It is therefore essential that Scotland remains a desirable place to work, and with an employee return rate of around 70%, we know that most farm businesses are considered attractive and rewarding places to work.

“For some workers, however, their experiences while working in the UK are not acceptable.

“NFU Scotland will be working with its members and the wider industry to address this in order to improve the experience for both growers and migrant workers.”

Scottish Government Rural Affairs Minister Ben Macpherson said: “The findings of this report are concerning and highlight the need for an urgent, comprehensive and effective response.

“With the powers that we have, the Scottish Government is committed to doing all it can to address the relevant recommendations from the research to ensure that Scotland continues to be a desirable destination for those workers who play a vital role in the continued success and growth of horticulture, and other rural industries.”