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Written question asked by Josh Newbury (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 16 October 2026. It was answered by Jo White (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 October 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

Agriculture: Migrant Workers

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of restoring the role of agricultural contractor to the Temporary Shortage List.

Answer

The Government’s approach is to link migration policy and visa controls to skills and labour market policies, so that immigration is not used as an alternative to training or tackling workforce problems in the UK.  This approach is important to enabling delivery of the Government’s broader agenda.

The Temporary Shortage List (TSL) does not include agricultural contractors or sheep shearers. It is only made up of occupations which are key to the Industrial Strategy or delivering critical infrastructure, and where ambitious jobs plans are in place to maximise the use of the UK workforce.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
34731
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Agriculture Visas Migrant workers
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk