University of Sussex
Browse
wp83.pdf (599.93 kB)

Closing the seasonal agricultural workers scheme: a triple loss

Download (599.93 kB)
report
posted on 2023-06-08, 23:35 authored by Erica Consterdine, Sahizer Samuk
Despite temporary migration programmes (TMPs) being heralded as achieving a triple win – whereby the host state, the sending state and the migrants themselves all benefit – the UK government has now terminated all such programmes, including the long- standing Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS). At the same time, TMPs have been heavily criticised by both the academic and policy sectors, as they tie workers to employers in rigid ways and lack integration measures. This paper reviews the SAWS scheme, including the policy evolution of the programme and the reasons for the closure. We argue that the government is inflicting a multiple loss scenario, whereby permanent immigration may increase, labour market shortages will be rife, remittances and skills transfers will be lost, and irregular immigration and in turn exploitation of migrant worker rights may be exacerbated. Whilst the policy design of SAWS was far from perfect, we argue that a modified version, targeting agricultural students, should be retained, which could restore the triple-win scenario.

Funding

FP7 - TEMPER - TEMPORARY VERSUS PERMANENT MIGRATION; G1323; EUROPEAN UNION; FP7-SSH-2013-2-613468

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Publisher

University of Sussex, Sussex Centre for Migration Research

Place of publication

Falmer

Department affiliated with

  • Geography Publications

Notes

Working paper No. 83

Institution

University of Sussex

Full text available

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2015-12-01

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2016-03-22

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2016-03-22

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC