Today, WSC is celebrating a major campaign success shaped directly by the leadership and determination of the seasonal farm workers with whom we partner. 

Over the past 18 months, jointly with seasonal farm workers, we have been calling for housing standards for their accommodation. 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. 

Following significant worker-led advocacy, the Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan MSP confirmed the Scottish Government’s full commitment to closing this gap, and that housing standards would be introduced for seasonal agricultural worker housing for the first time.

Just like last year, many workers have reported desperate housing conditions in 2025: living in cold, unsafe caravans while paying 20% of their minimum wage in rent. Next year, due to the UK Government’s increase to the accommodation offset, some shared caravans could end up costing over £2,000 per month - without any guarantee of safety or quality.

This makes it all the more urgent that strong standards are put in place to ensure housing is habitable for all, and matches its cost.  It has taken true collaboration to bring this issue into the light. We are especially grateful to all the workers that have given their time and energy to this campaign, including Kevin (pseudonym - pictured). He and other workers helped kick-start this process by speaking directly to the Scottish Government Minister for Equalities and Scottish Government officials about their experience of sub-standard housing on Scotland’s farms and recommendations for change.

We also want to thank those involved, including the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, the Minister for Equalities, Richard Leonard MSP, Maggie Chapman MSP, Ariane Burgess MSP, colleagues at the Scottish Human Rights Commission and at Shelter Scotland, who have been listening to workers, championing their cause and helping to draw attention to their concerns. 

Today shows what’s possible when workers’ voices are heard and respected. Together, we will keep working to ensure these new standards match those in other housing—and are backed by strong enforcement. Because every worker deserves safe, affordable, dignified housing.