Worker Support Centre
@workersupportc.bsky.social
We believe everyone should be safe, valued and respected at work. We work towards a Scotland that welcomes every worker. If you're working in seasonal agriculture, or social care on a visa and are having problems we can help.
How do we create labour enforcement standards that protect all workers in Scotland as the UK's new Fair Work Agency comes into view?
Tomorrow we’re bringing together regulators, trade unions & experts to discuss.
Read more about this work here:
workersupportcentre.org.uk/2025/11/25/c...
Tomorrow we’re bringing together regulators, trade unions & experts to discuss.
Read more about this work here:
workersupportcentre.org.uk/2025/11/25/c...
Creating a labour enforcement standard to protect all workers in Scotland – Worker Support Centre
On Wednesday 26 November 2025, the Worker Support Centre (WSC) will bring together regulators, trade unions and frontline organisations to answer a central question: what should effective labour enfor...
workersupportcentre.org.uk
November 25, 2025 at 11:14 AM
How do we create labour enforcement standards that protect all workers in Scotland as the UK's new Fair Work Agency comes into view?
Tomorrow we’re bringing together regulators, trade unions & experts to discuss.
Read more about this work here:
workersupportcentre.org.uk/2025/11/25/c...
Tomorrow we’re bringing together regulators, trade unions & experts to discuss.
Read more about this work here:
workersupportcentre.org.uk/2025/11/25/c...
Reposted by Worker Support Centre
🆕Seasonal agricultural workers: co-creating resources to enhance rights’ awareness. Report on an event funded by an SCGA engagement award. @workersupportc.bsky.social scga.scot/2025/11/21/s...
November 21, 2025 at 11:21 AM
🆕Seasonal agricultural workers: co-creating resources to enhance rights’ awareness. Report on an event funded by an SCGA engagement award. @workersupportc.bsky.social scga.scot/2025/11/21/s...
Reposted by Worker Support Centre
The seasonal worker visa’s structure impedes union organising, with workers in the country for no longer than six months. But with the scheme ongoing since the 2019 pilot and looking like it’s here to stay, it makes sense to ask whether major unions could be doing more to overcome these challenges
I've been investigating the huge levels of exploitation faced by workers on the seasonal worker visa for the last few years, and have often asked myself why the trade union movement has ignored these workers.
So I spoke to unions, big and small, to try and answer that question.
So I spoke to unions, big and small, to try and answer that question.
‘An indictment of the trade union movement’: Why no one is organising seasonal workers
November 12, 2025 at 8:40 AM
The seasonal worker visa’s structure impedes union organising, with workers in the country for no longer than six months. But with the scheme ongoing since the 2019 pilot and looking like it’s here to stay, it makes sense to ask whether major unions could be doing more to overcome these challenges
Great work by @mellino.bsky.social
Why no one is organising seasonal workers?
We've discussed with workers through 2025
@carolinerobinson.bsky.social WSC
“They feel like things have been raised already, and there’s a lack of care about those issues in the UK in general – so what would change?”
Why no one is organising seasonal workers?
We've discussed with workers through 2025
@carolinerobinson.bsky.social WSC
“They feel like things have been raised already, and there’s a lack of care about those issues in the UK in general – so what would change?”
The answer isn't that workers themselves are not organisnig. There are several wildcat strikes that fly under the radar, but without support, they often fizzle out.
Some have even organised protested at the Home Office, as shown in this photo.
www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2025...
Some have even organised protested at the Home Office, as shown in this photo.
www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2025...
November 12, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Great work by @mellino.bsky.social
Why no one is organising seasonal workers?
We've discussed with workers through 2025
@carolinerobinson.bsky.social WSC
“They feel like things have been raised already, and there’s a lack of care about those issues in the UK in general – so what would change?”
Why no one is organising seasonal workers?
We've discussed with workers through 2025
@carolinerobinson.bsky.social WSC
“They feel like things have been raised already, and there’s a lack of care about those issues in the UK in general – so what would change?”
Reposted by Worker Support Centre
Last week, the @workersupportc.bsky.social (WSC) was featured on a BBC Radio 4 programme ‘Abused for Our Food’ which exposed the reality faced by seasonal farm workers in the UK.
You can visit the WSC website to listen to the programme in full.
workersupportcentre.org.uk/2025/10/24/w...
You can visit the WSC website to listen to the programme in full.
workersupportcentre.org.uk/2025/10/24/w...
WSC featured on BBC programme about seasonal farm workers in the UK – Worker Support Centre
This Wednesday 22nd October BBC File on 4 Investigates broadcast a programme about the treatment …
workersupportcentre.org.uk
October 30, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Last week, the @workersupportc.bsky.social (WSC) was featured on a BBC Radio 4 programme ‘Abused for Our Food’ which exposed the reality faced by seasonal farm workers in the UK.
You can visit the WSC website to listen to the programme in full.
workersupportcentre.org.uk/2025/10/24/w...
You can visit the WSC website to listen to the programme in full.
workersupportcentre.org.uk/2025/10/24/w...
Reposted by Worker Support Centre
Apparent proposals to reintroduce employment tribunal fees - last seen in 2013 under the Con-Dem coalition and scrapped following a successful challenge by UNISON - stand to undermine improvements (to some areas) in the Employment Rights Bill @timsharp.bsky.social www.tuc.org.uk/blogs/dont-l...
Don't let tribunal fees undermine the government's Plan to Make Work Pay
The government’s Plan to Make Work Pay promises stronger protections for workers, but apparent proposals to reintroduce employment tribunal fees risk undermining that progress.
www.tuc.org.uk
October 3, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Apparent proposals to reintroduce employment tribunal fees - last seen in 2013 under the Con-Dem coalition and scrapped following a successful challenge by UNISON - stand to undermine improvements (to some areas) in the Employment Rights Bill @timsharp.bsky.social www.tuc.org.uk/blogs/dont-l...
Reposted by Worker Support Centre
This is really important work…
Labour’s Employment Rights Bill may well transform workers’ rights. But only if people can access justice and enforcement of remedies can’t be dodged.
Do you really have rights at all, if the barriers to asserting them are so difficult to overcome?
Labour’s Employment Rights Bill may well transform workers’ rights. But only if people can access justice and enforcement of remedies can’t be dodged.
Do you really have rights at all, if the barriers to asserting them are so difficult to overcome?
🚨 Our new investigation out today reveals how thousands of people who've taken their bosses to employment tribunals & won, never got paid, even after they approached the government for help.
This has serious implications for the Employment rights bill.
www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2025...
This has serious implications for the Employment rights bill.
www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2025...
Thousands of rogue bosses get away with not paying tribunal awards
The government scheme ‘enforcing’ money owed to workers has been unsuccessful in a staggering three-quarters of cases
www.thebureauinvestigates.com
October 2, 2025 at 8:23 AM
This is really important work…
Labour’s Employment Rights Bill may well transform workers’ rights. But only if people can access justice and enforcement of remedies can’t be dodged.
Do you really have rights at all, if the barriers to asserting them are so difficult to overcome?
Labour’s Employment Rights Bill may well transform workers’ rights. But only if people can access justice and enforcement of remedies can’t be dodged.
Do you really have rights at all, if the barriers to asserting them are so difficult to overcome?
New report on @scga.bsky.social co-developed by us with students and academics @uofglasgow.bsky.social as part of a project to understand seasonal agricultural workers' rights and entitlements in relation to their
💸 Pay and
✈️ visas
In Scotland.
⬇️ Check it out at the link below.
💸 Pay and
✈️ visas
In Scotland.
⬇️ Check it out at the link below.
October 2, 2025 at 11:03 AM
New report on @scga.bsky.social co-developed by us with students and academics @uofglasgow.bsky.social as part of a project to understand seasonal agricultural workers' rights and entitlements in relation to their
💸 Pay and
✈️ visas
In Scotland.
⬇️ Check it out at the link below.
💸 Pay and
✈️ visas
In Scotland.
⬇️ Check it out at the link below.
🌱 Who wants to work a 12-hour day and be paid for eight?
No one, yet we found widespread underpayment of seasonal farm workers.
So we're
💻 calling for policy change &
📝 equipping workers with tools to evidence time & pay.
Check our our new post!
workersupportcentre.org.uk/2025/10/02/m...
No one, yet we found widespread underpayment of seasonal farm workers.
So we're
💻 calling for policy change &
📝 equipping workers with tools to evidence time & pay.
Check our our new post!
workersupportcentre.org.uk/2025/10/02/m...
Making sure all farm workers are paid for the hours they work – Worker Support Centre
Launching our brand new guide: Know your rights and evidence your work.
workersupportcentre.org.uk
October 2, 2025 at 9:51 AM
🌱 Who wants to work a 12-hour day and be paid for eight?
No one, yet we found widespread underpayment of seasonal farm workers.
So we're
💻 calling for policy change &
📝 equipping workers with tools to evidence time & pay.
Check our our new post!
workersupportcentre.org.uk/2025/10/02/m...
No one, yet we found widespread underpayment of seasonal farm workers.
So we're
💻 calling for policy change &
📝 equipping workers with tools to evidence time & pay.
Check our our new post!
workersupportcentre.org.uk/2025/10/02/m...
Reposted by Worker Support Centre
From workers highlighting horrific housing conditions to last week's Scottish Parliament discussion on how to address the gap in oversight.
This gap affects @ 45,000 people who come to pick our fruit & veg annually (who spend 20% of their wage on housing)
Read @workersupportc.bsky.social blog ⬇️
This gap affects @ 45,000 people who come to pick our fruit & veg annually (who spend 20% of their wage on housing)
Read @workersupportc.bsky.social blog ⬇️
🏡 New WSC blog: Housing
Many seasonal farm workers live in cold, unsafe caravans without legal protections.
Last night Cab Sec for Housing,
@mairimcallan.bsky.social
confirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to closing this gap.
Read our response!
workersupportcentre.org.uk/resources/on...
Many seasonal farm workers live in cold, unsafe caravans without legal protections.
Last night Cab Sec for Housing,
@mairimcallan.bsky.social
confirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to closing this gap.
Read our response!
workersupportcentre.org.uk/resources/on...
One year of action by and for workers on seasonal worker housing – Worker Support Centre
workersupportcentre.org.uk
September 29, 2025 at 10:03 AM
From workers highlighting horrific housing conditions to last week's Scottish Parliament discussion on how to address the gap in oversight.
This gap affects @ 45,000 people who come to pick our fruit & veg annually (who spend 20% of their wage on housing)
Read @workersupportc.bsky.social blog ⬇️
This gap affects @ 45,000 people who come to pick our fruit & veg annually (who spend 20% of their wage on housing)
Read @workersupportc.bsky.social blog ⬇️
🏡 New WSC blog: Housing
Many seasonal farm workers live in cold, unsafe caravans without legal protections.
Last night Cab Sec for Housing,
@mairimcallan.bsky.social
confirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to closing this gap.
Read our response!
workersupportcentre.org.uk/resources/on...
Many seasonal farm workers live in cold, unsafe caravans without legal protections.
Last night Cab Sec for Housing,
@mairimcallan.bsky.social
confirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to closing this gap.
Read our response!
workersupportcentre.org.uk/resources/on...
One year of action by and for workers on seasonal worker housing – Worker Support Centre
workersupportcentre.org.uk
September 24, 2025 at 1:01 PM
🏡 New WSC blog: Housing
Many seasonal farm workers live in cold, unsafe caravans without legal protections.
Last night Cab Sec for Housing,
@mairimcallan.bsky.social
confirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to closing this gap.
Read our response!
workersupportcentre.org.uk/resources/on...
Many seasonal farm workers live in cold, unsafe caravans without legal protections.
Last night Cab Sec for Housing,
@mairimcallan.bsky.social
confirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to closing this gap.
Read our response!
workersupportcentre.org.uk/resources/on...
We are recruiting!
WSC is looking for a new Community Engagement Officer in Perth and Kinross to work with local community groups, organisations and individuals and to connect workers to support that exists locally.
Check out the role and share widely:
workersupportcentre.org.uk/2025/09/19/w...
WSC is looking for a new Community Engagement Officer in Perth and Kinross to work with local community groups, organisations and individuals and to connect workers to support that exists locally.
Check out the role and share widely:
workersupportcentre.org.uk/2025/09/19/w...
WSC is recruiting a Community Engagement Officer to work on our new Building Bridges project – Worker Support Centre
We all want to feel safe, valued and respected at work – no matter who …
workersupportcentre.org.uk
September 19, 2025 at 2:07 PM
We are recruiting!
WSC is looking for a new Community Engagement Officer in Perth and Kinross to work with local community groups, organisations and individuals and to connect workers to support that exists locally.
Check out the role and share widely:
workersupportcentre.org.uk/2025/09/19/w...
WSC is looking for a new Community Engagement Officer in Perth and Kinross to work with local community groups, organisations and individuals and to connect workers to support that exists locally.
Check out the role and share widely:
workersupportcentre.org.uk/2025/09/19/w...
Today we're proud to share 3 major milestones:
🤝 Launching our new Worker Power stream, standing in solidarity with carers who've come to the UK to look after our loved ones.
🌱 A brand new website & look - link in bio!
🏴Opening our new office in Perth, in the heart of Scotland.
🤝 Launching our new Worker Power stream, standing in solidarity with carers who've come to the UK to look after our loved ones.
🌱 A brand new website & look - link in bio!
🏴Opening our new office in Perth, in the heart of Scotland.
Big news from WSC: Standing in solidarity with the workers who care for us – Worker Support Centre
The Worker Support Centre is really proud to make three big announcements today. We believe …
workersupportcentre.org.uk
September 10, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Today we're proud to share 3 major milestones:
🤝 Launching our new Worker Power stream, standing in solidarity with carers who've come to the UK to look after our loved ones.
🌱 A brand new website & look - link in bio!
🏴Opening our new office in Perth, in the heart of Scotland.
🤝 Launching our new Worker Power stream, standing in solidarity with carers who've come to the UK to look after our loved ones.
🌱 A brand new website & look - link in bio!
🏴Opening our new office in Perth, in the heart of Scotland.
Thanks to @richardleonardmsp.bsky.social & @brianleishmanmp.bsky.social for joining workers on Scotland's farms & our team to hear experiences of seasonal farm work & for sharing updates on the campaign to make seasonal workers' homes safe.
Migrant workers on farms across Scotland spent another night last night in unsafe overcrowded, unsanitary, inhumane accommodation
@brianleishmanmp.bsky.social and I had productive discussions with the @workersupportc.bsky.social on the campaign to end this scandal
@brianleishmanmp.bsky.social and I had productive discussions with the @workersupportc.bsky.social on the campaign to end this scandal
September 2, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Thanks to @richardleonardmsp.bsky.social & @brianleishmanmp.bsky.social for joining workers on Scotland's farms & our team to hear experiences of seasonal farm work & for sharing updates on the campaign to make seasonal workers' homes safe.
Today #worlddayagainsttrafficking Scottish Government published their new Trafficking & Exploitation Strategy,with prevention at its core.
Read our statement welcoming this new approach, which could represent a significant step forward for Scotland.
workersupportcentre.org.uk/wsc-welcomes...
Read our statement welcoming this new approach, which could represent a significant step forward for Scotland.
workersupportcentre.org.uk/wsc-welcomes...
WSC welcomes new Scottish Government Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy | Worker Support Centre
workersupportcentre.org.uk
July 30, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Today #worlddayagainsttrafficking Scottish Government published their new Trafficking & Exploitation Strategy,with prevention at its core.
Read our statement welcoming this new approach, which could represent a significant step forward for Scotland.
workersupportcentre.org.uk/wsc-welcomes...
Read our statement welcoming this new approach, which could represent a significant step forward for Scotland.
workersupportcentre.org.uk/wsc-welcomes...
Seasonal agricultural workers reported wage theft & widespread payslip confusion in 2024, we partnered with workers to highlight this issue.
So we're pleased that the UK Director of Labour Market Enforcement has now committed to a review on payslips
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68779f...
So we're pleased that the UK Director of Labour Market Enforcement has now committed to a review on payslips
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68779f...
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
July 28, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Seasonal agricultural workers reported wage theft & widespread payslip confusion in 2024, we partnered with workers to highlight this issue.
So we're pleased that the UK Director of Labour Market Enforcement has now committed to a review on payslips
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68779f...
So we're pleased that the UK Director of Labour Market Enforcement has now committed to a review on payslips
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68779f...
New: joint Seasonal Worker Interest Group response to UK Gvt co-commissioned research on an Employer Pays Principle for workers in seasonal agriculture
workersupportcentre.org.uk/wp-content/u...
We need a safe & ethical scheme that doesn't place seasonal agricultural workers at risk of debt bondage
workersupportcentre.org.uk/wp-content/u...
We need a safe & ethical scheme that doesn't place seasonal agricultural workers at risk of debt bondage
workersupportcentre.org.uk
July 21, 2025 at 10:53 AM
New: joint Seasonal Worker Interest Group response to UK Gvt co-commissioned research on an Employer Pays Principle for workers in seasonal agriculture
workersupportcentre.org.uk/wp-content/u...
We need a safe & ethical scheme that doesn't place seasonal agricultural workers at risk of debt bondage
workersupportcentre.org.uk/wp-content/u...
We need a safe & ethical scheme that doesn't place seasonal agricultural workers at risk of debt bondage
Reposted by Worker Support Centre
We make this statement as a member of the Seasonal Worker Interest Group, alongside our colleagues at @focusonlabour.bsky.social @workersupportc.bsky.social
@landworkersuk.bsky.social
@fairsq.bsky.social @antislavery.org
and ATLEU
@landworkersuk.bsky.social
@fairsq.bsky.social @antislavery.org
and ATLEU
July 17, 2025 at 9:36 AM
We make this statement as a member of the Seasonal Worker Interest Group, alongside our colleagues at @focusonlabour.bsky.social @workersupportc.bsky.social
@landworkersuk.bsky.social
@fairsq.bsky.social @antislavery.org
and ATLEU
@landworkersuk.bsky.social
@fairsq.bsky.social @antislavery.org
and ATLEU
Lovely note of the meeting between WSC Ops Manager Valeria Ragni, & Outreach Caseworker, Iryna Pakhil & the Kincardine & Mearns CAB @citizensadvicescot.bsky.social here:
www.kamcab.org.uk/news/week-no...
Our work is made so much stronger by the partnerships we build across Scotland & the UK.
www.kamcab.org.uk/news/week-no...
Our work is made so much stronger by the partnerships we build across Scotland & the UK.
Week Notes- 21st March 25 | Kincardine and Mearns Citizens Advice Bureau
Week Note 21st March 25 In amongst the usual flurry of a working week I always like to pick up the Golden Nuggets that appear amongst the fast-flowing river of week and the Theme that emerges this wee...
www.kamcab.org.uk
July 2, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Lovely note of the meeting between WSC Ops Manager Valeria Ragni, & Outreach Caseworker, Iryna Pakhil & the Kincardine & Mearns CAB @citizensadvicescot.bsky.social here:
www.kamcab.org.uk/news/week-no...
Our work is made so much stronger by the partnerships we build across Scotland & the UK.
www.kamcab.org.uk/news/week-no...
Our work is made so much stronger by the partnerships we build across Scotland & the UK.
Yesterday we opened our new office at WASPS Creative Exchange in Perth! (come & visit!)
This involved building furniture, rehoming beautiful plants, setting up kebab, music & seats & having a lovely AGM and party.
Heres a wee glimpse from our mini staff & Trustees photo shoot in the new office.
This involved building furniture, rehoming beautiful plants, setting up kebab, music & seats & having a lovely AGM and party.
Heres a wee glimpse from our mini staff & Trustees photo shoot in the new office.
June 19, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Yesterday we opened our new office at WASPS Creative Exchange in Perth! (come & visit!)
This involved building furniture, rehoming beautiful plants, setting up kebab, music & seats & having a lovely AGM and party.
Heres a wee glimpse from our mini staff & Trustees photo shoot in the new office.
This involved building furniture, rehoming beautiful plants, setting up kebab, music & seats & having a lovely AGM and party.
Heres a wee glimpse from our mini staff & Trustees photo shoot in the new office.
New by @mellino.bsky.social UK Gvt commissioned report explores "Employer Pays Principle" for agricultural worker recruitment costs.
WSC Director @carolinerobinson.bsky.social
"raised concerns that some of the report’s proposals, like introducing a loan system, could in fact worsen exploitation"
WSC Director @carolinerobinson.bsky.social
"raised concerns that some of the report’s proposals, like introducing a loan system, could in fact worsen exploitation"
June 3, 2025 at 8:32 AM
New by @mellino.bsky.social UK Gvt commissioned report explores "Employer Pays Principle" for agricultural worker recruitment costs.
WSC Director @carolinerobinson.bsky.social
"raised concerns that some of the report’s proposals, like introducing a loan system, could in fact worsen exploitation"
WSC Director @carolinerobinson.bsky.social
"raised concerns that some of the report’s proposals, like introducing a loan system, could in fact worsen exploitation"
This Tuesday @ariane-burgess.bsky.social shared WSC cases of unsafe agricultural worker accommodation in the Scottish Parliament.
Her amendment to the Housing Bill tried to tackle lack of oversight of this housing.
Scottish Government says its addressing this.
We look forward to hearing how.
Her amendment to the Housing Bill tried to tackle lack of oversight of this housing.
Scottish Government says its addressing this.
We look forward to hearing how.
May 22, 2025 at 2:34 PM
This Tuesday @ariane-burgess.bsky.social shared WSC cases of unsafe agricultural worker accommodation in the Scottish Parliament.
Her amendment to the Housing Bill tried to tackle lack of oversight of this housing.
Scottish Government says its addressing this.
We look forward to hearing how.
Her amendment to the Housing Bill tried to tackle lack of oversight of this housing.
Scottish Government says its addressing this.
We look forward to hearing how.
Reposted by Worker Support Centre
We cannot uphold human rights for some and not others. Workers’ rights are fundamentally intertwined with migrant rights.
May 19, 2025 at 3:28 PM
We cannot uphold human rights for some and not others. Workers’ rights are fundamentally intertwined with migrant rights.
We've supported @antislavery.org & colleagues in condemning divisive rhetoric on migration & the attempt to brand a hostile migration policy as an anti-exploitation strategy. As we said when the Imm' White Paper came out, exploitation is tackled by upholding labour rights,not by punishing migrants
We condemn the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday, 12 May, where he portrayed migrants as “strangers” who threaten British values and culture. Charities, communities and survivors have already experienced the real-world impact caused by divisive rhetoric. www.antislavery.org/reports/open...
Open letter on the UK Immigration White Paper
Open letter condemning the hostile rhetoric from the UK Government and expressing concern at the policy on immigration announced in the White Paper.
www.antislavery.org
May 22, 2025 at 9:01 AM
We've supported @antislavery.org & colleagues in condemning divisive rhetoric on migration & the attempt to brand a hostile migration policy as an anti-exploitation strategy. As we said when the Imm' White Paper came out, exploitation is tackled by upholding labour rights,not by punishing migrants
Reposted by Worker Support Centre
Net migration has fallen by almost 50% according to today's new ONS figures, at 431,000 for the year ending Dec 2024, down from 860,000 for the same period a year earlier.
It has fallen by 297,000 since the last ONS figures 6 months ago, for YE June 2024. Reaction to follow.
It has fallen by 297,000 since the last ONS figures 6 months ago, for YE June 2024. Reaction to follow.
May 22, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Net migration has fallen by almost 50% according to today's new ONS figures, at 431,000 for the year ending Dec 2024, down from 860,000 for the same period a year earlier.
It has fallen by 297,000 since the last ONS figures 6 months ago, for YE June 2024. Reaction to follow.
It has fallen by 297,000 since the last ONS figures 6 months ago, for YE June 2024. Reaction to follow.