New pilot scheme to bring 2,500 seasonal workers to UK farms 11 September 2018
A nationwide two year pilot to bring migrant workers to UK farms has been announced which will mean fruit and vegetable farmers are able to employ migrant workers for seasonal work for up to 6 months.
2,500 workers from outside the EU will be able to come to the UK each year, alleviating labour shortages during peak production periods.
Soft fruit production in the UK has grown dramatically, by 130% in the last 20 years. To ensure that this growth continues and the UK is at the forefront of the next agriculture revolution, farmers must also look at ways that technology can reduce demands for labour.
However, automated harvesting solutions are not universally available and so in the short term, this pilot will support farmers during peak production periods.
This pilot will also explore how to keep British horticulture competitive, as almost all other OECD countries source seasonal workers to pick fruit and vegetables.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid said:
“British farmers are vital to the UK’s economy – and the Government will look to support them in any way we can. This pilot will ensure farmers have access to the seasonal labour they need to remain productive and profitable during busy times of the year.
I am committed to having an immigration system that reduces migration to sustainable levels, supports all industry and ensures we welcome those who benefit Britain.”
Environment Secretary Michael Gove said:
“We have listened to the powerful arguments from farmers about the need for seasonal labour to keep the horticulture industry productive and profitable.
From lettuce in East Anglia to strawberries in Scotland, we want to make sure that farmers can continue to grow, sell and export more great British food.
This 2 year pilot will ease the workforce pressures faced by farmers during busy times of the year. We will review the pilot’s results as we look at how best to support the longer-term needs of industry outside the EU.”
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Tough new measures to end the blight of nuisance calls 12 September 2018
Rogue companies making unsolicited calls related to personal injury or payment protection insurance (PPI) claims could now be fined up to £500,000.
New powers have come into force which will see consumers given the choice to ‘opt-in’ to receive calls offering to settle personal injury or payment protection insurance (PPI) claims.
Previously people had to ‘opt-out’ of receiving such calls by registering with the free Telephone Preference Service or withdraw their consent while on the call. However, the new powers will force the caller to make the necessary checks to make sure they have the recipient’s consent before calling.
Those offering unwanted claims management services could be fined as much as half a million pounds by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if they breach the rules.
The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals
Payroll: need to know
cipp.org.uk
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