Nearly two-thirds of Scottish farmers who employ seasonal workers say they will likely quit if they can’t access seasonal labour, according to a report.
Research by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) revealed that 9,225 seasonal migrant workers in Scotland last year, with the majority involved in picking soft fruit, as well as field vegetable and potato sectors.
Their survey suggested more than half of farmers would also consider diversifying their operations due to labour shortages and recommended the UK and Scottish governments strongly consider measures to increase access to wider labour markets beyond the current emphasis on Bulgaria and Romania, which currently make up 60 per cent of the seasonal migrant workforce.
Steven Thomson, senior agricultural economist at SRUC, said: “Due to the long-term decline in the availability and willingness of the local Scottish and wider UK labour pool to work seasonally on farms, Scottish agriculture relies heavily on seasonal non-UK workers. This report highlights the importance of retaining access to this seasonal labour in order for Scotland to remain competitive in an increasingly global industry.”
According to the report, approximately 40 per cent of the surveyed workers were certain they would be returning to Scotland in 2018, with 12 per cent unlikely to return due to having permanent jobs to go to in their home countries, or returning to studies.
Nearly half, 46 per cent, were uncertain about whether they would return in 2018. Beyond their on-farm work, the workers were found to play valuable roles in local communities, from spending in local shops to boosting church congregations.
The full report can be downloaded here.
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