Growers
are concerned that proposals around future foreign labour requirements will
hinder the future expansion of the ornamental horticulture sector.
HTA
has responded to the Migratory Advisory Committee (MAC) call for evidence on
Salary Threshold and Points-Based System Commission.
The
MAC proposed that a £30,000 salary threshold is maintained for full time
workers coming to work in the UK from abroad. The adoption of an Australian
style points-based system would see applicants scored on factors such as
education levels and language skills.
In its
response HTA have stated that the proposed salary threshold of £30,000 for full
time employees from overseas is too high and will prohibit many skilled and
experienced workers from joining the UK horticultural workforce. HTA has called
for the MAC to review the Shortage Occupation List, as currently horticulture
is not included as an exemption. Supervisory and technical roles are the
hardest to fill in the area of plant production, so a wider approach is needed
so that work experience and acquired knowledge is recognised alongside any
formal qualifications.
The
recently published 2019 Ornamental Horticulture Skills Survey highlights that
the sector is facing a critical skills challenge with the ability to find staff
with the right skills and qualifications being the most commonly reported
issue. This position is set to be exacerbated further with the proposals
in their current form.
As
part of the response HTA have highlighted how the horticulture industry has a
desire to expand, particularly in the area of import substitution. Access to
labour is a key part of this strategy which is proving to be a barrier to
expansion and this is where Government help is required in order to secure
labour from overseas.
Commenting on the response Martin Emmett, Chair of the HTA
Ornamentals Committee said: “Labour shortages of both seasonal and full-time
workers are a key concern for the horticulture industry, particularly at a time
when there is a need and desire for expansion. Access to a skilled and
experienced labour force is critical and this is why the proposed salary
threshold needs to be lowered so that knowledgeable and skilled workers from
abroad can continue to contribute to UK horticulture.
“The
ornamental horticulture sector makes a significant contribution to the UK
economy with ornamental plants worth £1.35 billion produced and sold in the UK
during 2017. Importantly, it also contributes to the environment helping
to mitigate the causes of climate change. The growth of the sector is dependent
on having a sufficient workforce to allow for its expansion to enable these
wider benefits to be fully realised.”
