Visa concessions for sheep shearers (No. 2)
Tabled 25 March 2026 by Helen Morgan
That this House welcomes the Home Office's decision to retain the visa concession for work as sheep shearers this year; recognises the vital role that the exchange of sheep shearers between the UK, and Australia and New Zealand plays in fulfilling workforce demands and ensuring timely shearing for animal welfare; notes that sheep shearing is a highly skilled and seasonal role, requiring significant training and experience; acknowledges that the world's shearing workforce includes international shearers who are essential to managing the UK sheep flock; expresses concern at the news that this concession will not be retained into 2027; and urges the Home Office to consult with colleagues at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and representatives from relevant farming organisations to fully assess the ramifications of tightening these visa requirements for the UK's sheep industry, given existing workforce pressures.