‘Culture of fear’ on the rise in Seasonal Worker scheme

There is an increased culture of fear in the Seasonal Worker scheme, a new report has found.

In its annual report, ‘A year of building worker power’, Worker Support Centre reported that it had supported 550 people in Scotland, many of whom faced “fear, discrimination and retaliation” in the scheme. 

Many workers had told the NGO they were scared at work and 60 had reported discrimination including being referred to by a number rather than their name, being shouted and sworn at, and harassed by farm management and supervisors for speaking their native language, taking toilet breaks, or being unable to meet physically demanding targets.

WSC added that workers feared reporting problems, making mistakes, needing healthcare, using too much fuel to heat their caravans and not meeting high picking targets.

“We partner with people who are working long hours in tough conditions to harvest the food that feeds our families,” said Caroline Robinson, executive director of WSC. “Many of them reported facing threats and repercussions when they spoke out about workplace conditions, accidents, or even asked for time off in 2025.

“We all want to feel safe, valued and respected at work – no matter who we are or where we come from. A culture of fear among farm workers puts everyone at risk.”

The report outlined that 71 workers raised disciplinary-related issues with the organisation, including 55 who had been dismissed by their employers. The vast majority, WSC said, had lost their jobs because their performance wasn’t considered good enough, they had requested to move to a different workplace, because of absences due to illness, or due to the perceived lack of caravan cleanliness.

Workers were also threatened with dismissals or punished for raising issues, including being denied work for days, which effectively removes income, as well as being warned not to contact WSC.

The NGO had 79 workers tell them that they were living in squalid conditions, including freezing cold, damp, mouldy and unsafe accommodation, and 146 workers approached WSC calling for support in changing employers. 

In addition, 118 workers raised issues related to pay, including unpaid time spent moving between fields, or collective equipment and speaking to supervisors. People also reported complicated pay slips that did not match their own records, enforced holiday where work was unavailable and not being paid the mandatory 32 hours per week.

Despite these challenges the charity said it had seen successes over pay including the UK director of Labour Market Enforcement pledging to review payslips and strengthen compliance after campaigning from the organisation.

It also made progress in housing with the cabinet secretary for housing Màiri McAllan MSP confirming the Scottish government would close the gap in housing standards following a substantial worker-led campaign. In November she also committed to introducing housing standards for seasonal agricultural workers for the first time.

“Employers and government should be supporting and promoting access to independent support organisations like Worker Support Centre, so that workers can speak up without fear,” said Robinson. “We’re always looking to work with government and industry, alongside workers, because we know that everyone benefits when workers are treated fairly.”