Non-EU seasonal workers can now apply for work in Britain after the Home Office's pilot scheme opened today.
The scheme provides 2,500 places for agricultural workers, who will arrive in Spring. The pilot came in response to pressure from the agriculture industry, which faces significant shortfalls in staff numbers, a situation exacerbated by the Brexit vote.
Recruiters Concordia and Pro-Force have been licensed by the government to manage the pilot and will be responsible for identifying suitable workers, as well as ensuring the welfare of the workers while in the UK.
Commenting on the pilot, immigration minister Caroline Nokes said: “Visiting a fruit farm last year, I saw first-hand how vital British produce is for our economy and listened carefully to the powerful arguments from farmers about the support they need.
“The seasonal worker pilot shows this government not only listens, but is willing to take the necessary action to make sure our farms can continue to grow, sell and export more great British food.
NFU president Minette Batters hailed the scheme as a “major victory” in September, but many growers feel the number is symbolic in the face of the shortages.
Recruiting from outside Europe could well be a future solution to the shortfall, after Concordia’s Sam Zubaidi told the NFU annual conference that there’s “no shortage of supply” from other continents, adding that he was being inundated from phone calls from agents overseas.
Food Minister at Defra, David Rutley said: “Our farmers and growers have been absolutely clear about the need for additional sources of labour to work on farms during the busy harvest months.
“We have heard these concerns, which is why today we are opening this pilot to boost the workforce on farms this spring and summer and help farmers with their harvests.
“This pilot, which will be closely monitored and reviewed, will help inform future policy as we look at how best to support the longer-term needs of the industry outside the EU.”
