Visas for 2026 Seasonal Worker Scheme secured
3rd November 2025
UK government has confirmed that a number of visas allocated for the 2026 Seasonal Worker Scheme (SWS) have now been finalised.
NFU said that this is “positive news” for the horticulture and poultry sectors that now have the certainty needed to plan for the year ahead.
The announcement comes after a recent visit with the farming minister Dame Angela Eagle to an NFU member’s soft fruit farm in Kent.
Accompanied by NFU president Tom Bradshaw and NFU horticulture and potatoes board chair Martin Emmett, the minister heard about the vital importance of the 2026 SWS visa allocation for growers and farmers.
Mr Bradshaw said: “We’re pleased that the minister has listened and confirmed the SWS 2026 visa allocation. While there has been a small reduction in numbers, we are hopeful it will still be sufficient for the year ahead.”
Vital role of seasonal workers
The NFU president said that seasonal workers play a vital role in ensuring the nation’s fresh fruit and vegetables reach supermarket shelves, that British plants and flowers feature in celebrations across the country, and that turkeys remain the centrepiece of the Christmas table.
He added that, “without them, the horticulture and seasonal poultry sectors could not function”.
“Looking ahead, it’s essential that we have clarity on visa allocations through to 2029. The number of SWS visas needs to remain sufficient to allow our members to continue producing food, plants and flowers for the nation,” Mr Bradshaw concluded.
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