Written question asked by Lord Laird (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord West of Spithead (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 July 2009.

Migrant Workers: Bulgarians and Romanians

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government who operates the seasonal agricultural workers schemes and sector-based schemes involving Bulgarians and Romanians which deal with Northern Ireland employers; how much the operators are paid per annum; and how they are monitored.

Answer: The Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS) is administered by nine SAWS operators who work under contract with the UK Border Agency. Currently, only two of the SAWS operators have client employers in Northern Ireland. SAWS operators are routinely monitored by the UK Border Agency through visiting premises, accommodation, client employers, speaking with workers and monitoring performance against contracts. Additionally, those operators that supply workers to client employers are also monitored by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA). The sector-based scheme (SBS) is not administered by SAWS operators A Bulgarian or Romanian national who wishes to work under this scheme must apply to the UK Border Agency for permission to work. Usually the employer would do this on their behalf. Employment conditions for SBS workers are not routinely monitored.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5094; 712 c350WA
Session: 2008-09
Subjects: Contracts Bulgaria Northern Ireland Monitoring Migrant workers Romania Seasonal agricultural workers' scheme
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk