A significant increase in the number of foreign workers seeking assistance in the UK due to claims of exploitation, bullying, underpayment, and poor living conditions on farms was reported by the BBC last year. The Worker Support Centre (WSC) received complaints from nearly 700 foreign seasonal agricultural workers in 2024, highlighting mistreatment by farmers who had brought them over to the UK for work. This marked a stark rise from just over 400 complaints made in 2023. One former fruit picker emphasized the need for more robust protections for migrant workers to prevent them from being treated as if they were slaves.
Julia Quecano Casimiro, a Bolivian seasonal worker who came to the UK on a visa to pick cherries for Haygrove, a Herefordshire-based farm business, is currently engaged in a legal battle with the company over allegations of unfair dismissal, discrimination, and wage underpayment. The Home Office’s preliminary ruling indicated reasonable grounds to believe that Ms. Casimiro may have been a victim of modern slavery. She expressed concerns about the hidden problem of worker exploitation, stressing the ongoing violation of seasonal workers’ rights without access to adequate support. Ms. Casimiro also called for urgent government intervention to address the issue and prevent further instances of modern slavery.
Haygrove, in response to Ms. Casimiro’s claims, stated that her discontent stemmed from discrepancies in flight ticket pricing and loaned amounts to workers, as well as reduced work hours in July due to unusual weather conditions. The company refuted the allegations, labeling them as materially incorrect and misleading, as it had not faced such accusations previously. Haygrove maintained that its practices undergo regular audits by various third-party bodies, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. The spokesperson emphasized that Ms. Casimiro’s brief employment period at Haygrove did not reflect the company’s commitment to fair treatment and equality in recruitment and work processes.
Furthermore, Haygrove is collaborating with a nationwide investigation by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) into the recruitment of 20 Indonesian workers who claimed to have been charged illegal fees by overseas recruitment agencies. The company expressed deep concern over the allegations, as such practices contradict its policies and ethical principles. Haygrove reaffirmed its dedication to fair employment practices and the welfare of its workers, emphasizing the importance of addressing any misconduct seriously and cooperating fully with investigative authorities. The company’s commitment to worker wellbeing and ethical employment practices remains a top priority in its operations.
In light of the increasing complaints and concerns surrounding the seasonal agricultural worker scheme, the UK government plans to provide 43,000 visas for the horticulture industry and 2,000 for poultry farms this year. While a majority of workers reported positive experiences working on UK farms, the WSC noted a rise in complaints related to the scheme in 2024. A Kyrgyz worker shared his experiences of poor living conditions, discrimination, and unfair dismissal while working on farms in England and Scotland, underscoring a decline in standards and employer indifference towards worker welfare. The WSC highlighted the need for a review of the seasonal agricultural worker scheme to address potential risks of exploitation and ensure enhanced protection for vulnerable workers. The charity continues to advocate for improved safeguards and enforcement measures to prevent labor abuses in the agricultural sector
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
