NFU Scotland welcomes scheme for non-UK seasonal workers

NFU Scotland has welcomed the announcement today that 30,000 non-UK workers will be allowed to undertake essential seasonal horticultural work.

Since the outcome of the 2016 referendum, NFU Scotland has warned that fruit and vegetable growers would experience significant difficulties

James Porter, chairman of the union's specialist crops committee, said: "The UK government’s announcement today that there will be a Seasonal Worker Scheme allowing 30,000 workers from outside the UK to undertake vital seasonal agricultural work is welcome.

"This is an issue on which NFU Scotland has lobbied at the highest levels since the outcome of the referendum.

"And the significant upscale of the Seasonal Worker Scheme – from 10,000 to 30,000 permits – has been hard won.

"Following close dialogue with government, NFU Scotland is welcoming this significant increase on the understanding that the EU Settlement Scheme will allow workers who have undertaken work on Scottish horticulture farms prior to 2021 to return.

"And following the major, industry-led effort to recruit domestic workers during the 2020 pandemic, growers will continue to utilise all tools to encourage as much recruitment from within the UK as possible in 2021.

"Whilst today’s news is very welcome, the success of the measure is yet to be known and it will depend in large part on the number of Pre-Settled and Settled Status workers returning from the EU in 2021.

"We look forward to working closely with UK Government on the operation of the scheme in terms of cost for employers, which operators will be licensed to operate the scheme, and gain clarity about of the longevity of the scheme.

"We would also like to thank the hard work of MPs from across Scotland who recognised the significance of this issue for the future productivity of the sector and whose support has been vital in securing a positive outcome."