CLA calls on MPs to back seasonal workers
scheme
RURAL business leaders have called on
MPs to back a new seasonal workers scheme which allows migrant workers access to
vital jobs across the rural economy. Responding to a government inquiry on
immigration, the CLA which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses
said the sector needs certainty. A new scheme should be put in place immediately
to avoid reduced productivity and investment and not wait until the UK leaves
the EU. CLA President Ross Murray said:- "Farms and other rural businesses
need to know that after Brexit there will still be a flexible, skilled and
secure workforce so they can plan for the future, invest in their businesses and
secure or create jobs. To meet the labour needs of the rural economy we are
calling on MPs to back a seasonal agricultural workers scheme which would allow
migrants of both EU and non-EU countries to enter the UK for a set period of
time and for a specific job, but with no right to remain afterwards. Similar
schemes have worked well in the past in agriculture and will help farmers to
keep producing the food we eat, to run viable businesses, and to continue
creating job opportunities year in and year out. The rural economy is already at
risk due to labour shortage so it is vital the Government introduces a scheme
immediately rather than after Brexit. Without access to migrant labour,
productivity and growth will be affected and it could lead to increased food
imports and prices."
The CLA has also called for the Government to confirm the status of EU migrant
workers already resident in the UK working in sectors such as food production,
horticulture and tourism. In addition, Government must provide a clear
framework for allowing skilled workers to enter the UK labour market, with the
potential to remain permanently. Skilled workers should be differentiated from
seasonal workers, particularly as the former might bridge a skills gap within
the rural sector on a longer term basis. Click
here to read the CLA's full response to the
Home Affairs Select Committee inquiry on immigration.
|
