Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Seasonal Worker Visas 2026-07-13

2026-07-13

View full transcript on Parliament.uk -->
TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Josh Fenton-Glynn
▸ Context
The MP noted the importance of timely visa number announcements for enabling agricultural planning. The farming community relies on accurate information to prepare for seasonal labour needs.
When she plans to announce the number of seasonal worker visas available for 2027.
Mike Tapp
This Government recognise the importance of a prompt announcement on visa numbers to enable the agriculture industry to plan and prepare. The Government are committed to supporting the UK horticulture sector, but it is important that the sector reduces its ongoing reliance on significant numbers of seasonal workers from overseas. We are engaging closely with the sector and other stakeholders, and will announce the number of seasonal worker visas available for 2027 shortly, in line with usual practice.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Announcement date not specified
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Josh Fenton-Glynn
▸ Context
The MP, during a fellowship with the National Farmers' Union, observed that visa number announcements come too late to plan properly. He cited the need for seasonal workers in domestic agriculture.
I am currently taking part in the excellent National Farmers' Union food and farming fellowship. On a recent visit to a vegetable farm, I was told that the numbers of seasonal worker visas are announced far too late in the farming cycle for farmers to be able to plan in advance. If we are to have domestic agriculture, we are going to need some seasonal workers. Will the Government look at working with the industry so that we can plan in advance and actually run our farms and agriculture sector properly?
Mike Tapp
I thank my hon. Friend for his important question. I will ensure that we work closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs—we already do—in engaging with the sector to ensure that the announcement on numbers is timely, as it needs to be, so that farmers can plan.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline not provided
Response accuracy