16th February 2008
NAAC Work Permit Victory
NAAC members are aware that we have been in serious discussion with the new Border and
Immigration Services department — it used to be Work Permits UK — regarding the issue of Work
Permits for shearers.
In 2007 we had considerable problems with an insistence that shearers needed to be employed and
under PAYE and, after strong representation by the NAAC to the Home Office, we succeeded in persuading
them to change their minds for 2007.
Since then we have had further meetings and it has been agreed at the highest level that special
exemptions will remain for shearers for the 2008 season. The NAAC is already in discussion with the
Border and Immigration Agency to work out how the new rules will apply to shearers next year and we
will keep members informed.
2008 Season
The NAAC office has written to its livestock members with details of all the information required when applying for a Work Permit.