Seasonal Worker Scheme inquiry

30 August 2023

An asparagus harvest on a farm in Kiddersminster with seasonal workers

The MAC (Migration Advisory Committee) has opened an inquiry into the Seasonal Worker visa and the NFU will be responding to the call for evidence.

The MAC wishes to understand views on the visa route, how it is used by employers, and how it meets their needs, alongside the needs of employees and other stakeholders. As part of the inquiry, the MAC will gather information on:

  • The economic impact of the scheme
  • How well the scheme works for employers
  • How well it protects the welfare of migrants
  • How the scheme is organised
  • How it can be improved

The NFU will be responding to the consultation having collected the views of both members that are horticulture growers and poultry producers. Businesses can also respond as well as individuals from a personal capacity via the government's web page up until 19 September 2023: GOV.UK | Seasonal Worker visa inquiry: call for evidence

22 August 2023

NFU seeks views from horticuture growers and poultry producers

The NFU surveyed members who are horticulture growers and poultry producers to form its response to the MAC's inquiry on the seasonal worker scheme. 

We will publish the results of the survey shortly.

27 June 2023

Government launches inquiry

The MAC committee has opened its inquiry into the Seasonal worker visa route to understand views on the scheme, how it is utilised and how it meets needs of employers, employees and other stakeholders. 

The NFU will gather views from members during July and August 2023 on this essential mechanism to access the workers that the horticultural and poultry sectors need to harvest the nation’s fruit and vegetables and supply seasonal poultry. These views will form part of the NFU's response to the inquiry. 

The MAC also welcomes responses from individual businesses as well as from a personal capacity.

Responses can be submitted until 19 September 2023.

More information on how to respond can be found at: GOV.UK | Seasonal Worker visa inquiry: call for evidence

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Summary

  • 27 June: The MAC committee have opened its inquiry into the Seasonal worker visa route to understand views on the scheme, how it is utilised and how it meets needs of employers, employees and other stakeholders. 
  • 22 August: The NFU has invited horticulture growers and poultry producers to complete a survey to form part of its consultation response.