6. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its work to ensure that seasonal agricultural workers have access to effective worker voice under its fair work commitments. (S6O-02557)

The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that agricultural workers have access to effective worker voice under its fair work commitments. In March 2023, we provided funding of £123,000 to support the reopening of the Worker Support Centre. The WSC assists all seasonal agricultural and horticultural workers in Scotland, irrespective of nationality, to access free impartial and confidential information on workplace rights.

Migrant workers, particularly those with the seasonal worker visa for horticulture, including in the north-east region, are known to be at risk of exploitation and trafficking. They are not unionised, and they face significant language barriers, are often housed in poor, unregulated housing and struggle to access healthcare. They are at the mercy of their employers, who might, without notice, say that there is no work for them, leaving them stranded without money or options.

What further actions will the Scottish Government take to reduce the risks of trafficking and exploitation and ensure that all workers have access to individual and collective workplace representation?

As I said in response to the very important issue that was raised by Maggie Chapman, the Scottish Government has funded the Worker Support Centre to assist all migrant seasonal agricultural workers in Scotland. We have produced seasonal workers’ rights information leaflets that include guidance on human trafficking and exploitation, and we have outreach arrangements in place to support workers who speak Ukrainian, Romanian, Russian, Polish or English. Outreach staff are available at a range of times to talk to workers and provide information or support.

Where it is appropriate, the centre can refer workers to legal charities, the Scottish Government’s agricultural wages enforcement teams and other advisers for further support with a range of issues that they might face.

Maggie Chapman might also be aware that recently published independent research made recommendations to be pursued by both the Scottish and United Kingdom Governments, so a lot of work is under way to ensure that we treat the issue seriously.