Seasonal worker route must be simplified

Carla Lockhart MP • March 31, 2023

DUP EFRA Spokesperson Carla Lockhart has written to Robert Jenrick, Minister of State for Immigration at the Home Office, to raise concerns regarding the availability of seasonal workers and anomalies with the system whereby workers are classified.

Carla Lockhart said:

 

“Certain sections of our agriculture and horticulture sectors are heavily dependent on sourcing labour through the seasonal worker route. It is therefore vital that the system is fit for purpose, and that this means of securing vital labour at key times is straight forward.

 

It has been brought to my attention that some issues have arisen in relation to this scheme for some local companies, casting doubt over the supply of labour as we approach key times for harvesting and collecting produce. This is largely based around how asylum and application for asylum, as well as the war in the Ukraine and how those who have fled are factored into the scheme and its KPIs.

 

We need this issue clarified and the system to be agile enough to respond to new factors. This has been raised this week in correspondence to the Minister of State for Immigration, Robert Jenrick, and I will be pushing to find solutions.

 

These industries are vital components of our successful agri-food and horticulture industries and as such we must ensure the labour needed is available.”

Share

NI’s farming community deserves protection from rural crime

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 29, 2026
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has called on the PSNI and Stormont departments to do more to protect farmers and rural communities from escalating levels of crime across Northern Ireland.

MP urges government to support UK bakery sector

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 28, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed concern at mounting pressures facing the UK bakery sector - a vital cornerstone of our food manufacturing industry and a key employer across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Lockhart welcomes U-turn on firearms fees

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 27, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the Justice Minister’s decision to withdraw the consultation and go back to the drawing board on controversial proposed increases to firearms licensing fees, and changes to the banded system in Northern Ireland.

MP encouraging local producers to enter BBC Food and Farming Awards

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 25, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has welcomed confirmation that the 2026 BBC Food and Farming Awards will be held in Northern Ireland for the first time.

Lockhart disappointed at court ruling on farmer-led ‘death tax’ challenge

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 25, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said she is extremely disappointed that the London High Court has dismissed a farmer-led legal challenge against the Labour Government’s ‘death tax’ reforms.

Lockhart Continues Campaign to End Child Disability Waiting Period Following Commons Intervention

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 22, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has continued her long-running campaign to end the three-month waiting period for Child Disability Living Allowance payments for children diagnosed with life-changing illnesses, following a recent intervention in the House of Commons.

Lockhart Raises Alarm Over Disturbing Online Content Reaching Children Through Digital Games

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 21, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised serious concerns in the House of Commons regarding the growing number of reports from parents about children being exposed to disturbing and inappropriate content while using digital games and online platforms.

Lockhart Meets Southern Trust Leadership to “Lift the Lid” on Growing Domiciliary Care Pressures

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 20, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said urgent action is needed to address mounting pressures facing domiciliary care services after meeting with Southern Trust leadership alongside DUP colleagues Diane Dodds MLA, Diane Forsythe MLA and Gareth Wilson MLA, as well as Pauline Shepherd, Chief Executive of Independent Health and Care Providers (IHCP), to discuss the challenges facing the sector. 

Lockhart Raises Serious Concerns Over Condition of Lurgan and Kernan Cemeteries

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 20, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised serious concerns regarding the condition of both Lurgan and Kernan Cemeteries following a growing number of complaints from residents and families.

Lockhart Reaffirms Opposition to Digital ID “Voluntary Does Not Cut It”

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 20, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has reaffirmed her opposition to Digital ID, warning that proposals being advanced by Government raise serious concerns around privacy, personal freedom and individual choice.