Seasonal Agricultural Workers' Scheme from Jan 2007

The SAWS allows farmers and growers in the UK to recruit overseas workers to undertake work that is both seasonal and agricultural. The scheme helps to meet the shortfall in the supply of seasonal labour from within the UK and European Union.
SAWS will move towards exclusively recruiting Romanian and Bulgarian nationals by 1 January 2008. However, transitional arrangements for the SAWS will be in place during 2007. For Romania and Bulgarian nationals only, the student restriction has been lifted but the applicant must still be 18 years of age or over.
It is expected that the full SAWS quota for 2008 will be drawn from nationals of Romania and Bulgaria. The SAWS is subject to a strict annual quota. The quota for 2007 is currently set at 16,250 places, with 40% (6500) for Romanian and Bulgarian nationals and the remaining 60% (9750) for students from non-EEA countries.
Whilst here at 7Y we have not traditionally used SAWS workers, these restrictions could have a big effect on the market. We predict uncertainty in the labour market over the next 12 months. Demand could quite possibly exceed supply so make sure you plan ahead.
If you have any questions regarding this or similar issues
please contact:

Becky Sankey
T 01568 619109

Sat 1st Sep 2007