UK: HTA issues a response to government's seasonal worker plan

The government outlined a package of measures for seasonal workers employed by farmers and growers in the UK's horticulture, poultry and sheep sectors.

In addition to confirming visa numbers for 2025, Defra has also published the 2023 Seasonal Workers Survey report to monitor the welfare of seasonal migrant workers. Conducted in early 2024, the survey shows that the vast majority of respondents (91.0%) reported a positive experience from their time in the UK, and 95% expressed a desire to return.

Jennifer Pheasey, HTA Director of Public Affairs, commented: "Skills and labor shortages are critical issues for UK environmental horticulture. The HTA has repeatedly sought a longer-term basis and certainty for the Seasonal Worker Scheme. Confirmation of a five-year scheme and, in the future, earlier signposting of allocations to allow businesses greater time to plan would help give horticulture businesses who are facing multiple challenges, from weather impacts to new border changes, some much-needed certainty and confidence.

"Today confirms 43,000 seasonal workers for 2025 for horticulture, which is welcome. Environmental horticulture is a hugely important industry that delivers green jobs and skills, as well as economic, environmental, social, health, and wellbeing benefits to the UK."

You can read the government's full plan here.