NFU helps secure Seasonal Worker Scheme visas for 2027
Following the NFU’s engagement with government and industry partners, confirmation has been received that the 2027 SWS (Seasonal Worker Scheme) allocation has been finalised, with 41,000 visas for horticulture and 1,900 for poultry workers.
This is a positive outcome for the horticulture and poultry sectors, giving businesses the certainty they need to plan for the year ahead.
While the NFU continue to push for multi-year allocations to support longer-term planning, receiving confirmation a year in advance represents a welcome improvement and the earliest indication we have received to date.
Growers gain certainty as NFU secures 41k visa allocation
NFU Horticulture Board Chair Martin Emmett said: “The decision to maintain the horticulture allocation at 41,000 visas is welcome recognition of the sector's ongoing need for seasonal labour.
“We have worked hard to demonstrate the importance of this issue to government, and this outcome provides growers with greater certainty as they plan for the future.
“Seasonal workers remain essential to harvesting crops efficiently and preventing valuable produce from being left in the field. Looking ahead, we will continue to make the case for longer-term workforce certainty, which is critical for future growth of the sector.”
NFU’s four-year campaign delivers certainty for poultry sector
NFU Seasonal Poultry Group Chair Jonathan Smith said: "We welcome the timely confirmation of the poultry worker allocation and the recognition of the sector's ongoing labour needs.
“Following the Temporary Visa Scheme announcement for poultry in 2021, we have worked closely with government to secure a dedicated route for poultry workers and greater certainty for businesses.
“Skilled seasonal workers remain essential across the poultry sector, particularly in the run-up to Christmas, and we encourage government to continue monitoring labour market conditions to ensure producers have the confidence that they will be able to access the workforce they need in the future.
“We also urge the government and labour scheme providers to keep under review the costs associated to the visa scheme as these can prohibit uptake for some seasonal businesses."
