Labour shortages loom as recruiter loses licence

Farm leaders have expressed their concern that fruit and veg growers will struggle to find the labour they need this spring, after one of the main labour providers under the Seasonal Workers Scheme had its licence withdrawn.

AG Recruitment was told its involvement in the scheme was suspended last week, with the Home Office pointing to possible abuse of asylum rules and questioning payment terms.

See also: Horticulture seasonal worker scheme extended to 45,000 visas

The Kent-based recruitment agency was one of six selected by government as part of its 2023 Seasonal Workers Scheme, which is expected to secure up to 45,000 workers from overseas.

A further 10,000 visas are available, if needed.

With flower picking already under way on some farms and early fruit harvesting not far off, the NFU said the decision came at a “crucial time” in the recruitment calendar.

“Growers using this operator will be concerned about whether they will receive the workers they need to pick and pack the nation’s fruit, veg, plants and flowers,” said a spokeswoman.

“Critically, the growers affected need assurance that they will be reallocated to another operator, and their recruitment needs filled. In the meantime, growers are encouraged to contact the remaining scheme operators as soon as possible to register their requirements.”

‘Unjust’

AG Recruitment, which has offices throughout Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine, said it felt the Home Office’s objections were unjust.

“Their main points were accommodation offset and the confusion around it, the fact that we did not hold payslips for all our workers, although we were not the employer, and lastly, Home Office claims that too many of our workers claimed asylum, which is a threat to immigration,” said a statement.

But a Home Office statement said those who benefit directly from migration are responsible for ensuring the immigration system is not abused, adding it would always take decisive action if sponsors break the rules.