The amendment means that farmers can provide accommodation for incoming agricultural workers, regardless of whether they are employed directly or self-employed.
Without it, the Bill would only allow properties to be regained for employed workers, leaving some farm businesses struggling to accommodate self-employed workers.
The NFU made the case that grounds for possession should apply even if the incoming agricultural worker is self-employed, such as a self-employed party to a share-farming arrangement, or a self-employed shepherd or dairy relief worker, and to reflect changing employment practices in the sector.
Now both Houses of Parliament have agreed to the change, it is officially part of the Bill which received Royal Assent this week, meaning it has now become law.
“Without this amendment, businesses could face real difficulties planning for their workforce and keeping their day-to-day operations running smoothly.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
During the debate, the Minister, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage OBE, extended her thanks to the NFU for our “very constructive work” with the government to find a solution.
Significant step
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “This is a significant step in the right direction when it comes to protecting rural businesses and ensuring housing remains available for essential workers.
“Farmers rely on being able to house their workers – including self-employed staff who play a vital role in food production. Without this amendment, businesses could face real difficulties planning for their workforce and keeping their day-to-day operations running smoothly.
“This has been an area the NFU has been working on in the background for many months, and I’d like to thank Lord Carrington for his support throughout. It’s encouraging to see both MPs and the Lords recognise the reality on the ground and backed a solution that reflects how modern farming works.”
Renters' Rights Bill explained
The Renters’ Rights Bill as laid before Parliament will abolish section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions in the private rented sector. To achieve this, the Renters (Reform) Bill will end fixed-term tenancies and move to periodic tenancies, which do not have an end date.
The Bill will introduce new grounds to ensure landlords can regain possession when it is reasonable. Unless one of these grounds is met, tenants will have a right to remain in their rented property until they decide to end the tenancy by giving two months’ notice to their landlord.
A list of the reformed grounds for possession the government is proposing can be found at: GOV.UK | Guide to the Renters’ Rights Bill.
The Bill also introduces a number of other provisions including:
- A Private Rented Sector Ombudsman which landlords must join as well as a Private Rented Sector Database.
- A limit on frequency of rent increases – rent increases will be limited to once per year giving two months’ notice.
- A limit on the amount of rent – rents must be in line with a market rent – the price that would be achieved if the property was a newly advertised let.
- Give tenants a right to request a pet in the property which a landlord cannot unreasonably refuse.
- Make it illegal for landlords to discriminate against prospective tenants in receipt of benefits or with children.
- All tenancies to be subject to the Decent Homes Standard.
Following meetings with ministers and officials, the NFU has successfully persuaded ministers and MPs that, because it is increasingly common in agriculture for workers to be self-employed, the law needed to reflect that.
