The government is facing fresh calls to reinstate the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme after a new report cited evidence that access to UK and EEA labour markets is “insufficient”.
A report by the Home Affairs Committee, entitled 'Immigration policy: a basis for building consensus', examined the need for and impact of immigrant labour in various sectors.
One of its recommendations stated that: “The government should consider a new Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme as there is already evidence that access to UK and EEA labour markets is insufficient to meet current demand. The objective of any such scheme would be to meet labour and skills shortages in the sector.”
The report also advised that the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) should assess why some low-skilled jobs are so reliant on overseas workers, considering aspects such as poor pay, terms and conditions, agency working or location. The MAC should then consider what new restrictions and controls are needed to prevent undercutting and exploitation, the report said.
Members of the public and the business sector also need better information about migration flow, and the economic contribution made by migrant workers to the UK economy, the committee said.
Chair of the committee and Labour MP Yvette Cooper tweeted that: “Reform and public involvement [are] needed to build trust and consensus instead of polarisation over immigration.”
In another tweet, she said that: “We recommend an Annual Migration Report (like Budget report) based on public consultation and evidence, to include plans to tackle skills shortages, promote integration, support communities, improve enforcement, as well as immigration targets and controls.”
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