Seasonal migrant workers in the UK agricultural sector: grievance mechanisms and access to remedy

Rights Lab project lead:  Dr Lara Bianchi, Dr Oana Burcu
Funder:  Research England Quality-related Research Policy Funding
Duration:  August 2023 – July 2024
Programme:  Business and Economies Programme

The study identifies current challenges and areas for improvement in the provision of grievance mechanisms and effective access to remedy for human rights abuses faced by seasonal migrant workers in the UK agricultural sector. Human rights, including labour rights, are actualised through the provision of an effective remedy, which remains one of the greatest failings of and most critical areas for growth within human rights protection and corporate accountability.

The project specifically looked at the UK Seasonal Workers Scheme, launched by the UK Government in 2019 amid concerns over labour shortages in the British agricultural sector. Under the Scheme, over 30,000 jobs are offered every year to migrant workers, who are vulnerable to human rights abuses due to their legal status, the short-term of their VISA and the typical challenges of labourers employed in labour-intensive sectors, including in the UK.

As concerns continue to emerge about the implementation of the Scheme, and its impact on migrant workers, the study offers guidance to businesses on what works in the provision of grievance mechanisms and effective access to remedy in cases of adverse impacts on workers’ rights.

You can access the project’s outputs at the following links:

Full report

Call to Action for Growers

Policy Brief and Recommendations for Retailers