Home Office Ministers are currently reviewing the seasonal workers scheme which allows local farmers and food producers to find staff abroad.

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin asked the Department about plans to review the scheme after meeting with local farmers and representatives of the National Farmers’ Union, who want the scheme enlarged next year.

Farmers are allowed to find workers to pick crops outside of the current immigration rules, meaning that up to 30,000 seasonal workers are able to work in the UK.

The scheme has been essential in helping farmers and growers to harvest local produce through the year and Harriett asked for a progress review from the Home Office.

Harriett said:

“I met with a delegation of local farmers last month and they were clear to me that the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme is essential to keep their businesses afloat and ensure that crops got picked this summer.

“Seasonal migrant workers have formed an important part of the workforce for many years and during the pandemic, it was even harder to find people willing to come over here to pick our local produce.

“Their message was clear that the scheme needs to keep going and expand. I understand that the scheme is under continual review and decisions about its future will be made in due course.”

Photo: Harriett Baldwin MP with local farmers and NFU representatives at Stocks Farm in Suckley.