Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have received from (1) the National Farmers’ Union, (2) the Food and Drink Federation, and (3) the Road Haulage Association, regarding the desirability of introducing a short-term visa system for foreign workers; and what has been their response.

The Government has received representations from a range of organisations, including the National Farmers’ Union, the Food and Drink Federation and the Road Haulage Association, regarding the requirement to introduce a short-term visa system for foreign workers.

The Government position remains we will not be introducing a short-term visa allowing recruitment at or near the minimum wage with no work-based training requirements. Immigration must be considered alongside investment in, and development of, the UK's domestic labour force, rather than as an alternative to it. This is especially relevant in light of the many UK workers who face an uncertain future given the economic impacts of the pandemic and the end of the furlough scheme. Employers facing recruitment difficulties should in the first instance engage with the Department for Work and Pension about the support they can provide.

The UK Government is closely monitoring labour supply and working with economic sector leaders to promote jobs, training, and a range of other initiatives.