Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Seasonal Worker Visas: Sponsorship Certificates

08 December 2022 · 12 other contributors

Opened by Robert Jenrick Reform Newark

ImmigrationAgriculture & Rural Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Robert Jenrick raised concerns about seasonal worker visas: sponsorship certificates in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Home Office recognises the UK food and drink sector's reliance on seasonal agricultural workers.
  • The quota for 2022 was set at 38,000 workers for edible and ornamental horticulture, with an additional 2,000 for poultry.
  • Approximately 1,400 places remain unused as of the date of the announcement.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Robert Jenrick

The Home Office recognises the importance of the UK food and drink sector and its reliance on seasonal agricultural workers. The quota for 2022 was set at 38,000 workers for edible and ornamental horticulture, with an additional 2,000 for poultry. Approximately 1,400 places remain unused as of today’s date. An announcement regarding the 2023 scheme is imminent, and measures are in place to extend work permits until mid-2023 to utilise remaining certificates. The Home Office aims to support this sector by collaborating with stakeholders and addressing operational challenges.

Other contributors (12)
  • Jess Phillips Lab Birmingham Yardley

    Question

    The hon. Member raises concerns regarding the daffodil industry in Cornwall, citing £60 million worth of food waste due to labour shortages and issues with processing times for sponsorship applications. She questions whether exploitation warnings have been heeded and if the scheme can be trusted.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledging the need for seasonal workers, the minister states that the current quota of 40,000 places appears accurate based on unused certificates. He emphasises the importance of compliance and preventing abuse, mentioning that licences are issued to operators under the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority. The minister also notes the issue of individuals claiming asylum post-arrival.

  • Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

    Question

    My right hon. Friend highlights the need for certainty in the sector, questioning compliance with the scheme and suggesting expansion based on positive results.

    Minister reply

    The minister notes that while overall compliance is high, there have been instances of individuals overstaying or claiming asylum. He stresses the importance of addressing domestic labour issues alongside immigration policies.

  • Deidre Brock

    Question

    The hon. Member questions the rigidity of a one-size-fits-all approach and suggests a 24-month temporary visa as an alternative to current measures.

    Minister reply

    The minister argues against differing approaches for individual nations within the UK, citing substantial migration figures that counter claims of reduced labour availability post-Brexit. He confirms ongoing analysis regarding future quota adjustments.

  • Michael Fabricant Cons Lichfield

    Question

    Horticultural operations around Lichfield will be reassured by the Minister's statement. He voted for Brexit but not against immigration control, specifically illegal immigration. Is the Home Office investigating alternative processes to get seasonal workers in the UK?

    Minister reply

    The Minister is sympathetic to a multi-year scheme proposal and acknowledges recent labour access issues due to covid and travel restrictions. The industry needs certainty, and embracing automation and new technologies is essential alongside training British workers.

  • Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham

    Question

    Former MI5 chief Baroness Manningham-Buller called for an increase in seasonal worker visas to enhance national security, particularly for food production. Can the Minister confirm that food production is a matter of national security? What specific work has been undertaken across Government to ensure a scheme based on evidence and proper resourcing?

    Minister reply

    Food security is important, but this year's quota of 40,000 does not seem out of sync with industry needs. The Minister will make an announcement soon with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

  • Alistair Carmichael LD Orkney and Shetland

    Question

    The visa scheme is a symptom of a broader issue: not having an immigration system tailored to different sectors' needs. The fishing industry faces crew shortages due to language test requirements. How can the Minister address these issues?

    Minister reply

    The Minister will meet with fishing industry representatives shortly, and invites Mr Carmichael to join if he wishes.

  • Luke Pollard Lab/Co-op Plymouth Sutton and Devonport

    Question

    Farm businesses in the south-west face crises due to rising energy costs and labour shortages. The metric for success should be that no crops rot in fields. Will the Minister set this as a goal for next year's policy?

    Minister reply

    The Minister takes all considerations into account, including domestic workforce draw and compliance with the scheme. There is a significant minority who do not comply, including those claiming asylum.

  • Alex Cunningham

    Question

    There are 16 days to Christmas, and food may rot in fields or poultry be left unslaughtered due to labour shortages. What innovative steps can the Minister take to get food on shelves and keep prices down?

    Minister reply

    The scheme exists for this purpose. The quota of 40,000 has proved sufficient. Border Force officials going on strike over Christmas will impact port operations.

  • Claire Hanna SDLP Belfast South and Mid Down

    Question

    Northern Ireland's fishing industry is at risk due to seasonal workers not being included in the exemption list, threatening supply chains. Will the Minister confirm regional visa possibilities based on economic activity and salaries?

    Minister reply

    The Minister will meet with Northern Ireland fishing sector representatives shortly. He does not see material differences warranting different immigration rules for UK regions.

  • Margaret Ferrier

    Question

    Have Ministers consulted supermarkets about the visa scheme's risks of human rights abuses and bondage in supply chains?

    Minister reply

    Operators are licensed by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority. The number of individuals claiming asylum, making modern slavery applications, etc., is reviewed.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    The fishing sector has job opportunities but faces filling difficulties. POs have offered £25,000 with accommodation and food to address language capability issues. Will the Minister facilitate a meeting before Christmas?

    Minister reply

    A larger room is being arranged for the growing meeting initiated by Mr Shannon, and it will be in the diary as soon as possible.

Shadow Comment

Jess Phillips

The shadow criticises the current scheme, noting that £60 million worth of food has been wasted due to labour shortages. She calls for a long-term strategy and warns against panicked short-term announcements without an underlying plan. The shadow highlights concerns about processing times for sponsorship applications and exploitative practices in recruitment, urging for better safeguards.

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