Currently, the UK government prioritizes what it defines as 'skilled workers' for migration to the UK. However, Conservative MP and Former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs George Eustice has stated that ministers must 'completely reappraise' their immigration policy. He claims that people who are good with their hands, like fruit-pickers, should not be deemed 'low-skilled.'
Home Secretary Suella Braverman has previously said there is "no good reason" why the UK cannot train its own fruit-pickers to cut immigration. However, the MP for Camborne and Redruth in Cornwall, a former strawberry farmer, said he completely disagreed. He also stressed that the UK needed a long-term seasonal workers scheme.
Farming minister Mark Spencer said the government was "committed to backing our farmers so we can enjoy the very best of British products, grow our economy, and deliver the food security that we need." He said 45,000 seasonal worker visas would again be made available to the horticulture sector next year, while £12.5m was being spent on research and development of automation and robotics to help improve productivity and sustainability.
Source: bbc.com