The Seasonal Employment Permit is available exclusively to non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals. This new permit allows foreign workers to take on seasonal roles in sectors such as soft fruit and vegetable growing, with a maximum duration of seven months per year. Specifically, the work period runs from 14th April to 13th November each year, aligning with the peak seasons for these industries.

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One of the notable features of the Seasonal Employment Permit is its flexibility in terms of renewals. Workers can apply to renew their permits up to two times, allowing them to continue their employment across multiple seasons if they meet the necessary criteria. This offers employers a level of stability and continuity in their workforce, which is particularly valuable in sectors that rely heavily on seasonal labour.

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For those holding a Seasonal Employment Permit, the minimum annual salary requirement is set at EUR 30,000, ensuring that workers are compensated fairly for their contributions during the season. However, not all employers are eligible to hire workers under this new scheme. Only employers designated as “approved seasonal employers” can sponsor applications for the permit. Currently, a select number of employers ( just six annually) will be granted this status, and they must employ at least two workers on Seasonal Employment Permits during their approval period.

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The Seasonal Employment Permit is a promising development for both employers and workers, offering a more streamlined process for seasonal labour recruitment while maintaining a level of oversight and regulation to ensure fair compensation and compliance with labour standards.

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Should you have any queries regarding the above information or if you require assistance with your corporate, employment or immigration matter, please get in touch with a legal professional at Hudson McKenzie via email at londoninfo@hudsonmckenzie.com or by telephone +44(0) 20 3318 5794.

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The information provided does not amount to legal advice.