Interesting, important and thoughtful review published today by the Migration Advisory Committee of the seasonal agricultural workers scheme along with several recommendations which are mostly concerned with better protecting workers.

The recommendations are broadly:

1. Provide certainty around the future of the scheme so that employers can plan

2. Allow a more flexible visa by shortening “cooling off’ period and allowing workers to work any 6 month period in a calendar year

3. Fairer work and pay for workers by guaranteeing 2 months pay to cover costs in coming to the UK and simplifying applicable pension and tax rules

4. Tighten, communicate and enforce employee rights because of the high risk of exploitation

5. Consider implementing the Employer Pays Principle so that workers no longer have to bear the cost of travel and their visa application, which increases the risk of debt bondage.

Lots of interesting material in the report, including on pay rates, nationalities, how transfers between employers currently work and more.