RESEARCHERS at Scotland’s Rural College are seeking help from farmers and rural businesses using seasonal migrant labour, having been commissioned by the Scottish Government to investigate the numbers and issues involved.

“Our plan is to survey both those employing seasonal labour from abroad and those actually choosing to come to Scotland to work,” said Dr Jane Atterton of SRUC’s Rural Policy Centre. “The first stage of the project is a survey aimed at farmers and gangmasters that use seasonal migrant labour. The survey can be completed on-line or on paper and will help to inform those seeking to devise a system that will comply with whatever the Brexit negotiations agree.

“The subsequent stages of the project will be aimed at the workers themselves, and we hope that businesses will encourage their workers to engage in that phase, to be launched in mid-July,” she said.

The survey has the support of NFU Scotland and Scottish Land and Estates. NFUS Specialist Crops Committee chairman James Porter said: “Access to labour is vital for Scottish agriculture, with sectors such as soft fruit and field vegetables being completely dependent on non-UK harvest workers. We encourage all growers to participate in this survey.”

SLaE chairman David Johnstone added: “As we look to the future it will be vital that the Scottish Government has access to the most up to date information so that it can make informed policy decisions.”

The survey is available online at www.sruc.ac.uk/seasonalworkers

Anyone who would prefer a paper copy of the survey should phone Donna Ewen at SRUC 0131 535 4304. All responses provided will be confidential. Data will only be used for the purposes of the study and in aggregated form.

“During July and August we will be conducting follow up interviews with seasonal workers” explained Dr Atterton. “We would be grateful if you could encourage your workers to get involved. We will keep you in touch with developments.”