Growing Number of Migrant Workers Accuse UK Farms of Exploitation
The number of foreign agricultural laborers seeking help over claims of exploitation, bullying, underpayment, and poor living conditions on British farms has significantly increased recently. The Worker Support Centre (WSC) charity reported nearly 700 complaints in 2024 compared to just over 400 in the previous year. One former fruit picker told BBC News that more needs to be done to protect migrants from being treated like slaves.
The UK government said it takes “decisive action” if abusive practices are found on farms. However, Bolivian Julia Quecano Casimiro’s experience highlights ongoing concerns. She came to the UK on a seasonal worker visa for cherry picking at Haygrove Farm in Herefordshire and is now taking the company to an employment tribunal over unfair dismissal, discrimination, and underpayment of wages.
Initial findings by the Home Office suggest reasonable grounds that Casimiro could have been a victim of modern slavery. She fears exploitation remains hidden due to lack of assistance or support. “If the UK government does not take action, there will continue to be more victims,” she added.
Campaigners now want a review of the seasonal agricultural worker scheme and any associated risks it presents. A spokeswoman from Haygrove Farm criticized Casimiro’s allegations as materially incorrect and misleading. They noted her claims were based on atypical experiences during short-lived employment in July, when extraordinary weather conditions reduced work hours.
The company has cooperated with a nationwide GLAA investigation into recruitment of Indonesian workers last summer, where accusations of illegal fees by agencies were raised. The Haygrove spokeswoman assured the BBC they take allegations seriously and have co-operated fully with investigations.
In response to these concerns, 43,000 visas will be available for horticulture this year under the government’s seasonal agricultural worker scheme. However, a survey by Defra found that 91% of workers reported positive experiences. The WSC dealt with an increase in complaints about the scheme last summer.
One anonymous Kyrgyzstani man who worked on various farms over three years expressed disappointment at living conditions and pay levels. He felt standards had worsened, highlighting concerns among some migrant workers regarding farm employers’ attitudes to their wellbeing and wages.
The WSC handled 158 farm laborers in one month last summer and referred 19 cases involving 101 individuals to enforcement agencies. The charity now calls for a review of the seasonal agricultural worker scheme and associated exploitation risks.
A Home Office spokeswoman said staff had visited 318 farms, conducted over 2,100 worker interviews, with continuous improvements made each year to prevent exploitation and poor working conditions. She emphasized taking decisive action against abusive practices or route condition failures.
