On 29 January, Worker Support Centre staff, together with Richard Leonard Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Central Scotland met Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Housing Màiri McAllan MSP. We shared evidence of housing conditions and costs, and talked about the need to make sure all housing is of decent, safe and warm quality in Scotland. We shared the experiences, and views of current farm workers and the Cabinet Secretary re-committed to national standards.

Also on 29 January, Paul McLennan, MSP for East Lothian, raised the issue in the Scottish Parliament. The Cabinet Secretary said: "no one residing in Scotland, however temporarily should have to live in substandard accommodation." Here is a video of that exchange.

So far in February, Worker Support Centre staff have had two meetings with local authorities to ask how they are meeting the legal requirement, in the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 to introduce standards and inspect seasonal worker housing.

Also in February, the UK Low Pay Commission, which recommends the maximum amount that can charged for tied-housing, published its Annual Report 2025, which includes lots of evidence from seasonal farm workers of housing experiences and calls on the UK Government to ensure there are strong housing standards that are enforced.

We're working together for a Scotland where everyone lives in safety and dignity. Join us!