UK: Govt. extends seasonal worker visa route to 2029; Ethical Trading Initiative says more needs to be done to address labour abuse for migrants on the scheme
In May 2024, the UK Government published a response to an expert panel independent review into labour shortages in the food supply chain, which was published in 2023.
The response covers issues with farmworker recruitment, including worker welfare, alongside other topics, such as automation. The response also says the seasonal worker visa route will be extended until 2029.
In response to the announcement, the Ethical Trading Initiative said extending the scheme alone is not enough, and that other commitments should be put in place, including by implementing the Employer Pays Principle and reducing the risk of labour exploitation and modern slavery.
There is an urgent need for improvements in the scheme, that includes the reduction of risks of labour exploitation and modern slavery, and the Employer Pays Principle. Workers should not arrive in the UK already in debt and without a guarantee of being able to make a profit. ETI will continue to work with others to ensure these changes are put in place in way that is fair and sustainable.”Ethical Trading Initiative Director, Peter McAllister
On worker welfare, the government says it is committed to reducing labour exploitation and modern slavery in the sector. It says it will work with workers' sponsors and other stakeholders to ensure workers have access to information regarding recruitment fee charging and the hours they can expect to work upon arrival.
The Government says the GLAA has entered into agreements with source countries to reduce exploitation. The response also outlines the government’s commitment to “investigating” the Employer Pays Principle for migrant farmworkers, but prior to adopting the principle it will seek evidence of the impacts of EPP on the supply chain. This research will be done with the Seasonal Worker Taskforce.
The Government also says it will work with sponsors and growers to explore grievance mechanisms and improve worker accommodation. It says action will be taken against scheme operators who fail to ensure workers’ labour rights are respected.