Visa rules changed so farmers can hire foreign poultry workers ahead of Christmas turkey rush

[Rob Thompson]

Visa rules changed so farmers can hire foreign poultry workers ahead of Christmas turkey rush

Source - Sky News

By - Alix Culbertson

Date - October 2022

Farmers will be able to hire foreign poultry workers to help fill staff shortages ahead of the Christmas turkey rush, the government has said.

Roles in the poultry industry have been added to the list of jobs eligible for a seasonal worker visa, immigration minister Tom Pursglove said.

 

Employers will now be able to hire staff from overseas to fill the roles - provided they are paid a minimum of £10.10 an hour and work for at least 30 hours a week.

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In a written statement to parliament, published on Tuesday, Mr Pursglove said: "The seasonal worker visa route is being expanded to include roles in the poultry sector, to support a genuine seasonal labour need in the lead up to Christmas, not evident in other sectors.

"Poultry workers under occupation code 5431 (butcher) or 5433 (for example, processor) must be paid at least £25,600 each year. All other poultry workers must be paid £10.10 for each hour worked and receive at least 30 hours' paid employment each week.

"These requirements are in place to discourage poor conditions often seen in the sector."

Around 10 million turkeys are eaten in the UK every year at Christmas.

[Rob Thompson]

Im guessing the press panic reports of Turkey shortages will be dispelled this year then