Addressing risks of exploitation is key to addressing the labour shortage in UK agriculture

In June 2023 DEFRA published its commissioned independent review into the labour shortages in the UK’s food supply chain.

This joint briefing explores why the review falls short in terms of addressing the risks of exploitation in UK agriculture and the structural roots of labour shortages in the sector. It looks specifically at the Seasonal Worker Visa scheme designed to allow migrant workers to work on UK farms.

The briefing also makes several key recommendations for reforms which should be made to address the labour shortage and address the risks of exploitation.