Seasonal worker visas confirmed for 2025
22nd October 2024
The visa allocation has been confirmed for the seasonal worker visa route in 2025, but there are calls for long-term certainty.
A total of 43,000 seasonal worker visas will be available for horticulture next year, the government has announced.
Defra said the move will provide certainty and help secure the labour and skills needed to bring high quality British produce, including strawberries, rhubarb and daffodils to market.
Food security minister Daniel Zeichner said:
“This government recognises that food security is national security, and this can only be achieved by supporting food and farming businesses.
“Confirming the seasonal worker visa allocation for 2025 gives growers and producers certainty, allowing them to plan ahead and secure the labour they need to grow and thrive.”
Long-term scheme needed
Whilst the announcement is welcome news, the NFU said it is essential that growers are given the certainty of a long-term scheme.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “For the many horticulture and poultry businesses that produce climate-friendly food and plants for the country, this news will be a relief as they will be able to plan for the year ahead.
“But farming and growing businesses don’t just work on year-to-year production cycles, they plan their business operations years ahead.”
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Recent press reports have shown that farmer confidence is at an all-time low and worker availability has been a significant barrier to growth.
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recently recommended the importance of Seasonal Workers Scheme to domestic food security – and the need for a long-term scheme.
Mr Bradshaw urged the government to publish its response to the MAC report as soon as possible.
“We don’t want to see a return to empty supermarket shelves or further years where £22 million of crops are left to rot in the fields. […]
“We have an ambitious industry that wants to drive productivity to support the health and wellbeing of our nation, but action is needed to make this a reality.
“Moving forward we need to see assurances of a long-term SWS and the government’s response to the MAC report,” Mr Bradshaw concluded.
Seasonal Worker’s Survey report
Defra also published results from the 2023 Seasonal Worker’s Survey, which was conducted in early 2024.
The vast majority of respondents (91%) reported a positive experience from their time in the UK and 95% expressed a desire to return.
The government said it is working with the industry to improve these numbers further through its farm compliance checks.
It will also work with international partners to ensure workers know what work to expect before they arrive and can avoid unnecessary costs and fees.
Read more fruit news.
