Shearer visa crisis threatens global cultural exchange

A Home Office decision to deny overseas sheep shearers a concession to enter the UK without work visas risks ending a rich tradition of cultural and educational exchange in the industry, says the National Sheep Association (NSA).

NSA is disappointed to have learnt of the decision made and shared with the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) that leads on the visa concession application, yesterday (Monday 2nd February).

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “NSA is dismayed to see the response from Mike Tapp MP, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, yesterday to Jill Hewitt of NAAC saying the application has been rejected.”

NSA believes that a global sharing of information and ideas is now at risk as the UK welcomes shearers each spring and in turn sees its own shepherds and shearers travel to the major sheep farming nations to learn, extend the shearing season, and swap insights and best practice.

Mr Stocker continues: “Shearers can visit the UK from Australia and New Zealand each spring and summer as part of a huge international exchange, in which shearers and shepherds travel the world making industry connections.

“It remains to be seen how our UK shearers and wider agricultural labourers may now fare as the UK negotiates future trade agreements.”

Industry is working on solutions to prevent a shearer shortage and potential animal welfare issues that might arise as a result of this. NSA is involved in these efforts and hopes to change the Home Office decision. Some contractors could still have the option of entering the UK through the Youth Mobility scheme.

Each year since 2011 a temporary concession has been granted specifically for sheep shearers, allowing no more than 75 shearers in from the southern hemisphere to shear 1.5-2 million sheep in the UK.

NSA Policy Manager Michael Priestley says: “The industry has successfully secured a concession every year, but this year the issue is being handled differently and the Minister for Migration and Citizenship is of the view that the industry has had sufficient time to fill the workforce gap. Efforts are being made to explain how valuable the concession is for the sheep sector and the national flock, and that despite between 800 and 1,000 shearers being trained by British Wool each year, the steps required to becoming a professional shearer is a major life choice due to the time needed to hone technique, develop contacts, and build stamina.”