Thread by @ZoeJardiniere

The solution to labour shortages is not and will never be more short-term visas by expanding the seasonal workers scheme.
These visas are associated with a high risk of exploitation, debt & trafficking because they are so time limited & give people such limited rights #r4today

If we need migrants to fill jobs, we need flexible visas that allow ppl to settle in UK long term if they wish, allows switching employer, enables unionising, bans zero-hours contracts.
In short, a sustainable model to improve conditions whatever the worker’s nationality #r4today

Of course. They couldn't ride out the bad headlines, their convictions crumble at the slightest disgruntlement in the right wing press

We're looking at a short-term stop gap, bringing in temporary workers with few rights. Run by absolute donkeys, I swear. ft.com/content/833516…

I mean for all their talk this should at least teach us that much. They seem untouchable with their big majority but it is only the press that keep them where they are and they can be toppled that easily, too.

That's the only bright side to this utter mess.

Adding HGV drivers to the shortage occupation list, which would mean they would be able to enter under the standard work visa system would also be a stop-gap, not the structural change we need, but at least those workers would have more rights. The seasonal scheme is rubbish.