Media framing of migrant labour in UK fruit and vegetable production: An analysis of reporting in UK farming and mainstream print press

Abstract

This study explores how UK mainstream and farming print press report the issues arising from the prevalent use of migrant labour in UK horticulture. Domestic fruit and vegetable production is central to achieving transition to a sustainable diet with positive health, environment and social outcomes, including for its 80,000+ migrant workers. How policymakers understand the issues will determine whether the policy actions they take will address the underlying causes of UK horticulture's dependency on low-paid migrant labour. This study conducts a qualitative content analysis of 92 articles in leading national farming and mainstream press between February 01, 2015–June 26, 2020. Findings show that reporting in both press was significantly slanted toward concerns and interests of farm business groups, correlated with prominent representation of this groups' voice in reporting. This contrasts with minimal presence of the voices of migrant workers and social reform stakeholders. Both press deployed an economic frame in which migrant workers were discussed in purely commercial terms. The prevailing market model of journalism increases the potential for well-resourced groups to dominate media reporting and shape framing. Such stakeholder groups are unhindered – if not aided – by a largely absent neo-liberal state, creating socio-political conditions which militate against policy reforms to bring about a more economically and socially just supply chain.