Temporary recovery visas

A Westminster Hall debate has been scheduled for Tuesday 8 November on temporary recovery visas for industries experiencing labour and skills shortages, in the name of Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat).

The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s 24 October 2022 report recommended the introduction of ‘temporary recovery visas’ for industries, predominantly tourism and hospitality in this case, that are experiencing short-term labour shortages for ‘low-skilled’ roles.

This adds to the dissatisfaction amongst some stakeholders in other industries with the lack of a general low-skilled work visa pathway within the new points-based immigration system. Solutions suggested by these groups include:

• Changing the current Temporary Work visa routes.
• Expansion of other pathways such as the Youth Mobility Scheme visas.
• Introduction of new short-term schemes, such as a temporary recovery visa.

Government response

Time-limited visa schemes for HGV drivers, pork butchers and poultry workers were introduced at the end of 2021. Ministers have said that will not be repeated and rejected the idea of a more general ‘recovery visa’.

They have suggested incentivising the domestic labour market, through training opportunities or wage increases, to fill vacancies.

The food and farming sector has also been called upon to invest more in automation to reduce their reliance on foreign seasonal workers.