Post-Brexit pilot scheme to tackle labour shortages announced

A new pilot scheme would allow UK fruit and vegetable farmers to recruit non-EU migrants as seasonal workers after Brexit – the BBC reports.

The visas, for up to 2,500 workers a year, will last for six months. The initiative is intended to tackle labour shortages and will run between spring 2019 and December 2020. Home Secretary Sajid Javid explained:

"This pilot will ensure farmers have access to the seasonal labour they need to remain productive and profitable during busy times of the year."

And Minette Batters, president of the National Farmers' Union, said the scheme would help growers feel more confident following "extremely testing and uncertain times".