The Seasonal Worker scheme is set to be changed to allow horticulture workers from overseas re-enter the UK sooner than they were allowed to previously, according to the National Farmers’ Union (NFU).
The rule change, which comes into effect on November 11 this year, will allow horticulture workers to work for up to six months within any 10-month period.
Commenting on the updated scheme, the chair of NFU’s Horticulture and Potatoes board, Martin Emmett said: “This is a significant achievement and something we’ve long been campaigning for.
“It gives workers and employers the flexibility needed for the unpredictability that can often come with farming and growing.”
Additionally, the NFU outlined that it would also like to see more flexibility within the scheme for seasonal poultry workers to help meet the demands of the sector.
Changes
The NFU stated that the scheme’s new flexibility will allow workers to “move seamlessly across the growing seasons, from harvesting daffodils and asparagus to strawberries and plums.”
The change will reportedly reduce the required gap between visas, which is expected to significantly increase the availability of seasonal workers, especially for early crops in the following season, where there was previously labour shortages.
Emmet added: “This change will also help workers, who are a vital part of our industry, to maximise their earning opportunities, as well as boosting confidence among farmers and growers.
“To strengthen this further, it’s essential the government confirms the Seasonal Worker Scheme 2026 visa allocation as soon as possible, giving growers the certainty they need that enough workers will be available for next year’s harvest.”
NFU
The NFU also recently announced that it has secured an agreement with the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to extend the Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier scheme until the end of 2026.
The extension was confirmed in a meeting between NFU president Tom Bradshaw and Defra Secretary of State Emma Reynolds on Tuesday, October 14.
According to the NFU, the scheme, which was set to expire at the end of this year, will “ensure that over 5,000 farmers will be able to continue delivering environmental benefits for the nation”.
