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Written question asked by Bradley Thomas (Conservative) on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 October 2026. It was answered by Stephen Morgan (Labour) on Monday, 12 October 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Agriculture

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, (a) what consideration was given to farming staff, particularly growers, when amending the national living ways increases, (b) what steps is her Department taking to give growers the confidence to invest in their businesses, and (c) can she confirm if the seasonal worker scheme will remain open to allow continued access to 41 000 seasonal workers for horticulture and 2000 for poultry.

Answer

The Low Pay Commission provides recommendations to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade on the National Living Wage. It considers evidence from farmers, worker’s representatives and other employers when assessing the impact of National Living Wage increases on business costs, competitiveness, employment and the wider labour market.

The Farming Roadmap sets out a clear plan to 2050 and the practical steps to be taken in partnership with the industry. The Sector Growth Plans being developed by sector experts, starting with horticulture and poultry, will add further detail and should boost business confidence to invest.

The 2027 Seasonal Worker visa allocations for the horticulture sector was confirmed this month as 41,000 - the same as 2026. This timely announcement gives growers and operators good time to plan for the year ahead. The poultry allocation in 2027 will be 1,900 in line with sector needs.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
30204
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Staff Agriculture Investment Horticulture Poultry Seasonal workers Living wage
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk