Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Labour Shortages: Agriculture and Fishing

Thursday 8 September 2022 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government expanded the seasonal worker route to 40,000 for horticulture and poultry in 2022.
  • Independent review into labour shortages in the food supply chain was commissioned.
  • Government will continue to expand the seasonal worker scheme as they negotiate with the Home Office.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Martyn Day SNP
Scotland Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Labour shortages affecting agriculture and fishing sectors, particularly seasonal workers needed during peak times.

Question

What recent steps have been taken by the Government to help ensure an adequate labour supply for (a) agricultural and (b) fishing industries in Scotland?

Answer from Mark Spencer

The Government are working to ensure that UK agriculture and fishing sectors secure the labour they need. They have expanded the number of people in the seasonal worker route to 40,000 for horticulture and poultry in 2022; commissioned an independent review into labour shortages in the food supply chain in England; and launched a £10 million skills and training scheme in August 2022.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 John Nicolson SNP
Immigration Brexit
Context

Labour shortages leading to food waste due to inability to recruit sufficient seasonal workers post-Brexit.

Question

Given that the new Prime Minister pledged to expand the seasonal worker scheme if elected, when will this be done?

Answer from Mark Spencer

I think we need to give the Prime Minister longer than 48 hours to deliver on that commitment. The Government have already expanded the number of people in the seasonal worker route to 40,000 for horticulture and poultry in 2022; commissioned an independent review into labour shortages in the food supply chain in England; and launched a £10 million skills and training scheme in August 2022.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Providing a specific timeline for expanding the seasonal worker scheme.

How: Giving The Prime Minister Longer Time

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Martyn Day SNP
Immigration Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Salmon Scotland reported very low unemployment and limited labour availability, with processing factories understaffed.

Question

What steps will the Minister take to ensure that fishing communities and processing sites have the necessary supply of workers?

Answer from Mark Spencer

The seasonal agricultural worker scheme is a huge opportunity for people to come to the UK to support the sector. The Government will continue to expand this scheme as they negotiate with the Home Office to make sure it works, but he would not erect a border between Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Not addressed: Providing specific steps to address worker shortages in fishing communities.

How: Discussing Border Issue Instead

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Helen Whately Con Faversham and Mid Kent
Immigration Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Seasonal worker scheme is essential for the fruit sector in Faversham and Mid Kent.

Question

Can my right hon. Friend assure me that it will be extended, and improved—and sooner rather than later—so that British consumers can continue to enjoy British fruit?

Answer from Mark Spencer

The seasonal worker visa route was extended to 2024 in December 2021, allowing overseas workers to come to the UK for up to six months each year to harvest edible and ornamental crops. The Government announced an extra 10,000 visas for the seasonal worker route.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q5 Craig Williams Con
Immigration Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Record levels of unemployment but challenges recruiting staff for dairy farms, abattoirs, and food sector.

Question

Can I implore the Minister to venture up to Montgomeryshire agricultural shows to discuss these important labour shortages?

Answer from Mark Spencer

Recognises the contribution of Welsh farmers and celebrates low unemployment, but acknowledges challenges. The Government have the seasonal agricultural worker scheme which they will continue to expand as they negotiate with the Home Office.

Not addressed: Providing assurance on visiting Montgomeryshire.

How: Discussing Contribution Of Welsh Farmers And Low Unemployment

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email