Concerns Mount over Employer Pays Principle in UK Horticulture

Concerns mount over Employer Pays Principle in UK Horticulture

A recent feasibility study exploring the impact of shifting seasonal workers' visa and travel costs onto employers has sparked concern among UK growers, according to the NFU. Commissioned by Defra and the Seasonal Worker Taskforce, the study evaluates the potential for implementing the Employer Pays…

Growers Warn: 'Employer Pays' Principle Could Push Us Out of Business

Requiring growers to shoulder the full cost of recruiting seasonal workers could threaten the viability of many horticultural businesses, the NFU has warned, amid growing pressure for the UK to adopt the ‘employer pays’ principle across the Seasonal Worker Scheme.Speaking during a labour market panel at Fruit Focus 2025, NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos expressed concern about the commercial impact of the model. “If the employer is required to b…