Defra expands workers pilot to 30,000 visas
UP to 30,000 seasonal workers look set to help reap the UK’s 2021 harvest. The Seasonal Workers pilot, first announced by Defra and the Home Office in 2018, has been extended and expanded for an additional year to help fruit and vegetable growers pick and package their produce.
Originally enabling farmers to employ up to 2,500 non-EU migrant workers for up to six months, then increased to 10,000 in February this year, the expansion of the scheme follows close discussions between Defra, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and Association of Labour Providers.
Environment Secretary, George Eustice, commented: “We will always back our farmers and growers, who work hard all year round to provide us with a secure supply of fruit and vegetables. The measures announced today will provide vital labour, both domestic and from abroad, to our farmers and growers to help gather the 2021 harvest to feed the nation.”
In addition, Mr Eustice said the Government, alongside industry organisations, will be looking to build on this year’s Pick for Britain campaign and actively promote the recruitment and retention of British seasonal workers in 2021. Since its launch in April, Pick for Britain has helped to raise the profile of roles in the sector, encouraging UK-based workers to take up jobs on farms during the busy harvest months.
Alongside the Seasonal Workers pilot, Defra will also lead a review into automation in horticulture, to begin in early 2021. The review will report on ways to increase levels of automation in the sector and meet the Government’s aim of reducing the need for seasonal labour. Mr Eustice added: “Our review into automation will pave the way for a pioneering and efficient future for our fruit and vegetable growers.”
Tom Bradshaw, vice president of the NFU, described the extension as “welcome and positive news” not just for Britain’s growers, but also for shoppers who want to enjoy homegrown fresh produce. He said: “By expanding the Seasonal Workers Pilot, the UK Government is sending a clear message that it is important for Britain to be able to produce its own fruit and veg, which has huge potential for growth.”
But he warned: “While this announcement is a significant step forward, we know that this will not meet the sector’s entire seasonal workforce need and we are working hard to find solutions to this extremely urgent issue.”
The NFU has previously said that the horticulture sector alone needs around 80,000 seasonal workers to pick and pack fruit, vegetable and plant crops across the country.
David George, from the NFU in the South West, added: “I think this will be welcome, but the challenge will be getting the people to fill the slots, especially given all the uncertainty around Brexit and coronavirus which is likely to continue well into the New Year.
“Also, it doesn’t cover flowers, which will have an impact on our part of the world where we have an important daffodil industry.”