The EFRA (Environment Food and Rural Affairs) Select Committee has announced an inquiry into the UK Government’s new points-based immigration system and its Seasonal Agriculture Workers Scheme.
Along with other sectors, ornamental horticulture relies on both a seasonal workforce and non-UK resident citizens for essential operations. There is a significant opportunity to increase the UK’s nursery production, however, the Government needs to support the industry in how shortfalls in labour are to be fulfilled in 2021 and beyond.
The HTA is pulling together the industry’s data, evidence and views on skills and innovation requirements, the need to expand and extend the current Seasonal Agriculture Workers Scheme to include the ornamental horticulture sector and for ornamental and environmental horticulture to be added to the Shortage Occupation List which feeds into the work visa system.
They will be inputting this information into the EFRA Committee’s Call for Evidence, which closes on 24 April 2020 and invite members to share their information if they wish to do so.
For more information
Horticultural Trades Association
Horticulture House
19 High Street
Theale
Reading
West Berkshire
RG7 5AH
T: +44 (0)118 930 3132
Fax: +44 (0)118 932 3453
NGGV: +44 (0)118 930 2092
www.the-hta.org.uk