At the Worker Support Centre (WSC) we welcome the Scottish Government’s recognition that seasonal workers’ accommodation must be fit for human habitation.
Last night Parliament debated the final stage of its Housing Bill — a major opportunity to move closer to the government’s goal that everyone should have a warm, safe and affordable home.
So far, seasonal agricultural workers living in temporary housing on farms have been left out of this promise. Many live in cold, unsafe caravans or temporary structures, while paying up to 20 per cent of their minimum wage in rent.
Unlike tenants in flats, houses – or even Airbnb yurts – across Scotland, our research has found that seasonal workers living in tied housing on farms have no legal protections.
The Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan MSP last night confirmed the Scottish Government’s full commitment to closing this gap, and to follow up with MSP Richard Leonard on this matter.
All workers should feel secure, respected and valued where they live and work. We stand with those whose voices are too often ignored, making sure their experiences shape everything we do. When workers feel unsafe or exploited, we know the system is failing them.
That’s why, over the last year, we’ve made sure seasonal workers’ testimonies have informed a Scottish Government review, contributed to national media reporting and drawn the support of the UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary forms of Slavery. We’ve also published a short guide showing how workers’ courage and evidence have directly influenced policy.
It has taken true collaboration to bring this issue into the light. We are grateful to Richard Leonard MSP, Maggie Chapman MSP, and Ariane Burgess MSP, who have listened directly to WSC and workers, championed their cause and helped bring their concerns to the Housing Bill debate.
We are delighted to be sharing the good news with Scotland’s seasonal workers that change is coming. We will continue to stand with them, holding Ministers to their word until every worker in Scotland has a home that is safe, dignified and affordable.