Industry bodies welcome five-year extension of Seasonal Worker Scheme but continue calls for a rolling scheme, nine-month visas and sustained numbers
Key fresh produce trade bodies have welcomed the extension of the Seasonal Worker Scheme but expressed disappointment that the government’s commitments didn’t go further.
Speaking at the NFU Conference on 25 February, Defra secretary Steve Reed made no commitment to a rolling five-year scheme or for visas to be extended from six to nine months, as repeatedly requested by the fresh produce industry.
There was also clear concern over the government’s intention to reduce the number of visas available to growers in future.
British Apples and Pears’ executive chair Ali Capper told FPJ: “It is great to see the new Labour government finally committing to the promise the last government made in May 2024 for the Seasonal Worker Scheme to be extended by five years.
“However, BAPL and the NFU have repeatedly called for this to be a rolling five years, and for nine-month visas to be included. Neither of these aspects were covered in yesterday’s announcement.
“The sector needs certainty and confidence to be able to invest to grow the sector.”
Capper added: “The continued repetition that the number of seasonal workers needs to reduce, when there is no meaningful alternative, is contrary to the government’s commitment to grow the horticulture sector in the UK.
“The robots are at least 10 years away, and if the sector is going to grow, we will need more people to pick fruit and vegetable, rather than less.
“That said, many businesses breathed a sigh of relief yesterday that there is a commitment.
“What a shame this announcement is tarnished with the prospect of having to negotiate on the visa numbers for each year, especially when this is not an immigration issue. These amazing, hard-working people visit our country to work hard for six months to harvest healthy fruit and vegetables, and then return home.”
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said the government’s stated intention to bring down visa numbers in future was “what everyone had to expect” given the narrative around immigration. However, he also stressed that the Seasonal Worker Scheme does not lead to immigration.
Meanwhile, Anthea McIntyre, director of policy development at British Berry Growers, welcomed the five-year extension but echoed Capper’s reservations.
“What would be even more helpful is if the government could also make this a rolling five-year scheme, if they could extend visas from six to nine months, and if they would allow growers to recruit directly,” she said.
“If these changes were to be brought, everyone would win. Costs for growers reduce, and worker productivity improves as they become better at their jobs and are able to earn for longer.
“In turn, these changes would make the sector even more of a powerhouse than it already is and lead to improved national food security.”
British Growers CEO John Walgate said the announcement of a five-year extension was “a step forward” but stressed that the fresh produce sector has also been pushing for a rolling scheme and nine-month visas.
He added: “Any annual quota reviews have still got to ensure that we secure the labour and skills that we need to bring high-quality British produce to market.”
