Countryside Alliance welcome latest announcements on seasonal workers

The Countryside Alliance welcomes the news that EU citizens can still come to the UK to do seasonal work on farms and in food businesses after Brexit, which has been recently announced by HM Government.

We understand the importance of workers from the EU to the food and farming industry and the broader rural economy. The Countryside Alliance had previously called for a permanent seasonal agricultural workers scheme, or equivalent scheme, which should include the requirements of other industries in the rural economy including game farming and forestry, and permit workers to enter from within the EU.

Speaking in response to the news, James Legge of the Countryside Alliance said " Seasonal agricultural workers are particularly important in filling temporary and labour-intensive roles. This type of employment is not only important for farming, but also for other sectors of the rural economy such as forestry and game farming. We welcome the latest news from DEFRA, which recognises an issue we have repeatedly highlighted and hope it reassures our rural communities going forward. The Government must, however, ensure that the role of EU seasonal workers is recognised in any longer term arrangements."