The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has secured a change to the Seasonal Worker Scheme (SWS), which will allow workers to re-enter the country sooner than had been allowed previously.

NFU said that this would give “much greater flexibility” to both workers and growers and has been a key pillar in the NFU’s horticulture growth strategy.

The rule change, which comes into effect in November 2025, will allow horticulture workers to work in the UK for up to six months within any 10-month period. This greater flexibility means they can “move seamlessly across the growing seasons”, from harvesting daffodils and asparagus to strawberries and plums.

By reducing the required gap between visas, NFU said the change is expected to “significantly increase” the availability of seasonal workers, especially for early crops in the following season, when the old rule has caused labour shortages. The NFU would also like to see more flexibility for seasonal poultry workers to help meet the demands of the sector.

NFU Horticulture and Potatoes board chair Martin Emmett said: “This is a significant achievement and something we’ve long been campaigning for. It gives workers and employers the flexibility needed for the unpredictability that can often come with farming and growing.

“This will also help workers, who are a vital part of our industry, to maximise their earning opportunities, as well as boosting confidence among farmers and growers. To strengthen this further, it’s essential the Government confirms the SWS 2026 visa allocation as soon as possible, giving growers the certainty they need that enough workers will be available for next year’s harvest.”