A South African woman tells a Lords committee about 'shocking' working conditions on English farms.
Like Ms Msezane, he was recruited last year by an agent in his home country via an advertisement on social media, and had to pay for his own airfare and visa before being put to work on fruit farms in the south of England.Ms Msezane, who is from Johannesburg, is now a care worker for an English local authority.
"I'd spent close to, almost, £2,500 equivalent. There is no way I am going home at that point. I am here to make money. That's essentially it. So you get to work." Seasonal workers were not asking for "five star hotels", he told the committee, but "employers must provide proper living and working conditions"., told the Lords committee some workers had been subjected to bullying and abuse.He said many take out loans to cover the costs of coming to the UK, and they also had to pay rent of up to £80 a week for their accommodation, which meant they were reluctant to speak out for fear of losing their job.
It was expanded to 38,000 visas in 2022, following pressure from the farming industry, who had been forced leave crops unpicked. Farmers must hire their overseas workers through those companies and must demonstrate that they are actively trying to recruit UK-based workers as well.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trevor Noah to make big comeback after leaving The Daily Show – and you won't believe where he's goingThe South African comedian and TV personality is switching platforms
Read more »
‘Peers are embarrassed’: How Boris Johnson’s honours controversy left the Lords wanting reform“We have control over how we conduct ourselves and how we work, but we have no control over the appointments system – and that’s what gives us the most criticism,” says LadyBasildon. “It’s rightly criticised... It needs a major overhaul” 🔎 Big Read
Read more »
Labour plans to expand Lords despite abolition pledgeThe party says new peers created would have to back replacing the chamber with an elected assembly.
Read more »
The Greater Manchester restaurants shortlisted in English Curry AwardsThe Greater Manchester restaurants and takeaways shortlisted in English Curry Awards
Read more »
Charity swimmer Iain Hughes missing in English ChannelIain Hughes, 42, has not been seen after starting the swimming challenge on Tuesday.
Read more »
Search called off for missing Black Country firefighter doing charity swim in English ChannelThe search for a missing West Midlands firefighter who was swimming the English Channel for charity has been called off, authorities have confirmed.
Read more »