Question reference: S6W-09019
- Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
- Date lodged: 13 June 2022
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Current status: Answered by Neil Gray on 21 June 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the support needs of Ukrainian nationals on seasonal work visas in Scotland following the introduction by the UK Government of the Ukraine Extension Scheme on 3 May 2022.
Answer
Agricultural workers from Ukraine are critical in the production of soft fruit and vegetables in Scotland. As a result of the conflict, there are significant concerns about the needs of these workers and JustRight Scotland's new Worker Support Centre, supported by £41,000 from the Scottish Government will provide independent outreach and legal support for seasonal workers in Scotland. The Centre follows models used around the world to offer temporary migrant workers advice and support in times of crisis. In addition, The Scottish Government also funds the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI) which has long-established connections to the wider agricultural community and related support services in Scotland.