A SCHEME aimed at protecting agriculture from the loss of migrant workers must be extended to the fishing industry, an MP claims.
The Seasonal Workers Pilot was announced by the UK Government in September and opened last month.
The trial scheme will allow fruit and vegetable farmers to employ up to 2500 non-EU migrants for seasonal work of up to six months. It will end in December next year, after which ministers will determine whether or not it should be repeated.
Announcing the initiative last year, Environment Secretary Michael Gove said it aimed to keep farming “productive and profitable”.
And, marking the opening of the scheme last month, Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes said her department – working with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) – had “listened carefully” to “powerful arguments” from farmers about their need for willing workers.
Now Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP Angus MacNeil has called for the same help for the fishing sector, a key employer in many coastal communities.
MacNeil, who will make the call directly to Home Secretary Sajid Javid, said operators along the west coast of Scotland face a “labour shortage crisis”.
He stated: “Ensuring that skippers have enough crew to take a boat to sea is a crucial way that the UK Government can support the fishing industry.
“The start of the Seasonal Workers Pilot this month will allow the horticultural industry to fill labour gaps and the same scheme would make a significant difference to the fishing industry.”
Referencing a succession of personnel changes within the UK Government, MacNeil went on: “I have met with six immigration ministers to discuss this issue over the last few years but there has been no progress.
“However, I hope the introduction of this pilot scheme is an indication that the UK Government may be prepared to finally look at the crisis facing the fishing industry.”
In recent months, Northern Irish MPs have also urged Westminster to support the fishing industry they represent, citing probable Brexit damage.
Last month David Rutley, Food Minister at Defra, said: “Our farmers and growers have been absolutely clear about the need for additional sources of labour to work on farms during the busy harvest months.
“We have heard these concerns, which is why today we are opening this pilot to boost the workforce on farms this spring and summer and help farmers with their harvests.
“This pilot, which will be closely monitored and reviewed, will help inform future policy as we look at how best to support the longer-term needs of the industry outside the EU.”
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