In 2019 a pilot scheme was opened for migrant workers to come to the UK on the ‘Seasonal Worker Visa’ to work in horticulture. Temporary migration programmes such as these are known to have a range of risks associated with their short-term nature, the visa sponsorship tie to a single labour provider, and the limited rights afforded to migrant workers.

On 9 May 2024 the government announced the scheme would be extended for another five years from 2025 to 2029, with the number of visas available for the horticulture sector in 2025 set at 43,000.

Both government and independent reviews highlight that the scheme as currently designed puts workers at risk of serious exploitation and abuse. The scheme requires wholesale reform - many of the issues for workers on the scheme are complex and interrelated, meaning it is not conducive to worker welfare to reform it on an incremental basis.

Our principal recommendation is to review the Seasonal Worker visa scheme in its entirety to uphold the rights of workers.

The Seasonal Worker Interest Group is an alliance of key organisations that provide support to,or advocate for migrant seasonal workers. The Organising Committee members are Anti Trafficking and Labour Exploitation Unit (ATLEU); Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX); Work Rights Centre; and Worker Support Centre.

Associate members are: Trades Union Congress; Unite the Union; FairSquare; Anti-Slavery International; and The Landworkers’ Alliance.

Read the full briefing for the next government from the Seasonal Worker Interest Group.