The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) welcomes the publication of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)'s review of the Seasonal Worker Scheme (SWS).
The recommendations, which emphasise the continuation and enhancement of the SWS, are crucial for the future of the UK's environmental horticultural industry.
The HTA submitted evidence to the review last autumn on behalf of its members. The MAC also visited HTA member nurseries as part of the review.
Jennifer Pheasey, HTA Director of Public Affairs, commented: “The MAC's review highlights the essential role of the Seasonal Worker Scheme in ensuring the stability and productivity of the UK's environmental horticultural sector. As the scheme evolves, it must remain accessible and viable for an industry hit by cost increases and regulatory changes. The HTA has consistently advocated for a more flexible and long-term scheme, and we are pleased to see some of the review’s recommendations reflect this.
“Environmental horticulture is a hugely important industry that delivers green jobs and skills and economic, environmental, social, health, and wellbeing benefits to the UK. It is critical that the government listens to and acts on the sector's needs. We look forward to engaging on what the details of some of the recommendations mean for the sector.
“The HTA remains committed to collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to enhance the SWS and secure the future of the UK's horticultural sector. Ensuring fair treatment and appropriate remuneration for seasonal workers is not only a matter of economic necessity but also an ethical responsibility.”
You can read the full review on the government's website here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/seasonal-worker-visa-review
Key recommendations from the MAC include:
HTA's evidence submission highlights:
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