Sue Hayman responds to the Government's announcement of a new seasonal workers pilot scheme

Sue Hayman, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, responding to the Government’s announcement of a new seasonal workers pilot scheme, said:

“This action comes too late for many farmers who have been on their own in dealing with chronic labour shortages since the Tories decided to needlessly scrap the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme. Labour will reinstate it. 

“A disastrous no deal scenario is now a very real prospect thanks to Theresa May’s shambolic handling of Brexit, putting farmer livelihoods and the UK’s long term food security at risk.

“Labour will bring back the Agricultural Wages Board, widen the powers of the Groceries Code Adjudicator and oppose any undercutting of British food and farming standards through reckless trade deals.”

Ends

Notes to editors

• Figures from the National Farmers Union show that despite 73% of employers taking steps to encourage workers to come to their farms, almost 60% didn’t secure the workers they needed in 2017, leading to the non-harvesting of crops and delayed investment decisions for farmers.