House of Lords supports amendments to housing for farm workers Bill
3rd July 2025
After months of lobbying to protect housing for farm workers, NFU has secured support from the House of Lords after peers backed an amendment to the Renters’ Rights Bill.
NFU explained that the change recognises the unique nature of farming operations, ensuring farmers can provide accommodation for incoming agricultural workers, regardless of whether they are employed directly or self-employed.
Without it, the Bill would only allow properties to be regained for employed workers, leaving some farm businesses struggling to accommodate self-employed workers.
The NFU worked closely with Lord Carrington to redraft the amendment and has spent recent weeks securing cross-party support, including at a breakfast in Westminster hosted by NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos for senior peers.
While this result does not mean the amendment is yet law, it marks a major step forward in making sure the final Bill takes into account the real-world needs of farming businesses, the union said.
‘Step in the right direction’
NFU president Tom Bradshaw added: “This is a step in the right direction when it comes to protecting rural businesses and ensuring housing remains available for essential workers.
“Farmers rely on being able to house their workers – including self-employed staff who play a vital role in food production. Without this amendment, businesses could face real difficulties planning for their workforce and keeping their day-to-day operations running smoothly.
“This has been an area the NFU has been working on in the background for many months, and I’d like to thank Lord Carrington for his support.”
Mr Bradshaw said it is encouraging to see that the Lords recognise how important this issue is to farming. However, the NFU president added that “there is more to do”.
“We hope the government will take this opportunity to reflect on the strength of support for these amendments and adopt them as part of the Bill. We stand ready to work with ministers to get this legislation right for British farming,” he concluded.
Read more political news.
