Seasonal migrant workers in Scottish agriculture: research report

1. Introduction

This section introduces the context for this commission. It identifies the four research aims and outlines the structure of the report.

1.1 Research Context

This research focuses on agricultural seasonal migrant workers in Scotland.

Previous research in Scotland's agricultural sector was commissioned in the aftermath of the EU Exit vote, to try and understand the importance of seasonal workers in the sector. The 2018 'Farm Workers in Scottish Agriculture' report advanced findings on the circumstances, perspectives and experiences of agricultural seasonal migrant workers Scotland, but their numbers and demographic characteristics have not been systematically monitored since.

More recently, the Scottish Government committed to investigating the results of the 2021 'Assessment of the risks of human trafficking for forced labour on the UK Seasonal Workers Pilot', Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX) report, which explored exploitation, trafficking and standards, highlighting the particular vulnerability of seasonal migrant workers to these issues

This research sits within a complex and varied policy context. The United Kingdom's exit from the European Union may be highly disruptive to migration rules and migrants' rights, and other employment and labour market regulations. Meanwhile the Scottish Government's Fair Work Action Plan seeks to maintain high professional standards across all types of employment in Scotland.

This research therefore presents an important opportunity to examine recent experiences of seasonal migrant workers in Scottish agriculture, and to assess the effectiveness and adequacy of the Seasonal Workers Pilot programme.

In addition to providing the Scottish Government with vital demographic and numerical indicators in relation to agricultural seasonal migrant workers, the research provides important information on living and working conditions, contractual and financial arrangements, as well as effective and practical recommendations from industry stakeholders on maintaining and monitoring high standards. The research is expected to inform work for the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB) and the Scottish Government's Fair Action Plan.

1.2 Research Aims

This research was commissioned to address four research aims:

1. Number and demographic qualities of agricultural seasonal migrant workers in Scotland.

2. Experiences of agricultural seasonal migrant workers- including their general wellbeing, the ease of obtaining work permits and visas, their working conditions and pay, and how these compare with other European countries, among other considerations.

3. Experiences of employers in the sector- recruitment practices and requirements, the administrative challenges associated with EU Exit and COVID-19 and delivering high-quality employment opportunities.

4. Long-term prospects and viability of the industry- wages and employment standards, the sector's and Scotland's competitiveness, regulations and requirements relating to COVID-19 and EU Exit, among others. These would cover all relevant perspectives, including that of employers, employees, regulators, stakeholders, and consumers.

This research was supported by a Research Advisory Group, which included representatives from Scottish Government and organisations supporting seasonal workers and the farms sector.

1.3 Structure of Report

The report opens by explaining the overall methodology linked to the research aims. Further detail on each part of the five-stage methodological approach is provided in this second chapter and related appendices.

Chapter three contains a summary of the evidence review of secondary sources. In chapter four findings from primary research with employers and other stakeholders are included. Qualitative analysis of stakeholder interviews features in this section. This qualitative analysis is followed by statistical results from the survey of employers.

Findings from primary research with seasonal migrant workers features in chapter five. The chapter starts with the findings from the macro-analysis conducted by the Fraser of Allander Institute. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the workers survey is included and findings from analysis of in-depth interviews with workers.

Chapter six closes the report by setting out conclusions and recommendations which are relevant for policy makers and stakeholders including employers, recruitment agencies and support organisations for employers and workers.