Thousands of people come to Scotland to work on our farms and in our care homes every year. They bring skills, energy and hope for their families’ futures. Many arrive on visas that tie them to a single employer, often in rural areas far from the nearest town. That system can leave people isolated, unsure of their rights and exposed to exploitation.
At WSC we partner with seasonal farm workers and social care workers who are leading change for a Scotland that welcomes every worker. People like Kevin, a farm worker who shared his experiences publicly – including with Scottish decision-makers.
Alongside others he led 18 months of campaigning that won a Scottish Government commitment to close the gap in housing standards, so that every worker can have a safe and warm place to come home to.
To us, this is what fair work looks like in practice: workers knowing their rights, supporting each other and leading the change themselves. And this is what our harvest supper will celebrate.
A shared meal is a simple thing. But it is also a statement about the kind of country we want to be: one where we are all treated with dignity. Our Community Engagement Officer Eglė described our first supper in September as a joy, with people who had never met before sharing food and swapping stories like old friends.
We would love more community members to be part of our Harvest Supper in Perth on 5 October. Come as you are, bring a dish if you can, and share a meal with some new neighbours.
Can’t make it to our supper?
Find out more about how seasonal farm workers and care workers are leading change – and how you can be part of a Scotland that welcomes every worker – by signing up for our newsletter!