Experts say scheme’s rules urgently need significant changes to prioritise worker protection
Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Bloomberg/Getty ImagesAs farms began to panic about a likely shortage of labour caused byJust 2,500 people came to Britain in a pilot of the scheme in 2019. But when the predicted shortage came to pass the following year, it was expanded rapidly, before an assessment of the pilot could be concluded.
When the government review of the pilot was finally slipped out on Christmas Eve last year, it had some concerning polling from workers. It showed 29% of labourers said operators did not adhere to contractual agreements, almost half did not receive a contract in their native language, and 15% said their accommodation was not safe, comfortable, hygienic or warm.
David Camp, the chair of the Association of Labour Providers, said: “The scheme rules need significant amendment. Defra and the Home Office need to work with the industry, to work with experts in responsible recruitment, and properly define a scheme that puts worker protection at its heart.
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