Summary
The UK government plans to change visa rules for foreign sheep shearers. This means shearers from other countries will need visas to work in the UK, which may lead to a shortage of workers in Scotland's shearing season.
Key Facts
- The UK Home Office ended visa-free access for foreign sheep shearers, effective after June 2023.
- In Scotland, there are over six million sheep, and the shearing season lasts from May to August.
- Scottish shearer Duncan Adams works in New Zealand and expects colleagues to join him in the UK, a plan that might change due to visa requirements.
- Farmers and industry groups warn that fewer shearers could harm sheep if the shearing season runs too long.
- The UK government wants the industry to train more local workers to reduce reliance on foreign labor.
- Around 75 foreign shearers typically help in the UK each year.
- The National Sheep Association is urging the government to reconsider the visa rule change.
