Member

I turn to Motion H1, in my name. We on these Benches have repeatedly made the point that the Government should not pursue a one-size-fits-all approach to the labour market. For farmers in particular, the labour force rises and falls with the season. Harvesting, planting, the noble Lord’s example of fruit picking, and livestock management all depend on the rhythms of nature, not on the administrative convenience of Whitehall or, indeed, limited-scope contracts. The reality is that a farm cannot simply hold on to staff year-round when the work itself exists for a defined and limited period only. The same can be said for many other seasonal industries, as defined in my amendment. That is why 26 weeks has long been recognised across seasonal industries as the appropriate reference period. I urge the Government to protect our seasonal sectors by agreeing to this Motion.