The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has reviewed the Seasonal Worker Scheme (SWS) and recommends that the UK maintains its visa program for seasonal workers to support food security. The MAC, a body that provides immigration advice to ministers, suggests enhancing the flexibility of the visa process.
Agriculture's dependency on migrant labour, particularly for physically demanding and low-wage seasonal tasks in rural areas, underscores the unique recruitment challenges faced by the sector. Professor Brian Bell, chairman of the MAC, emphasized the importance of the SWS for the UK's food security and called for improved worker welfare and pay, alongside increased transparency to prevent exploitation.
The report warns that without the SWS, the UK could see a reduction in domestic horticulture and poultry production, potentially impacting food security. While advancements in automation may offer a future alternative to migrant labour, current technology is not yet a viable replacement. The MAC suggests government interventions, like 0% interest loans or more public investment, could hasten automation and reduce the dependence on seasonal workers.
Source: expressandstar.com