A seasonal industry is activity within an economic
sector in which the majority of operations take place during only part of the year, usually within a period of half a year or less.
In some cases, as with
agriculture
Agriculture encompasses crop and livestock production, aquaculture, and forestry for food and non-food products. Agriculture was a key factor in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created ...
, this limitation may relate to
climate
Climate is the long-term weather pattern in a region, typically averaged over 30 years. More rigorously, it is the mean and variability of meteorological variables over a time spanning from months to millions of years. Some of the meteoro ...
or other forces of nature. In others, the seasonality may relate to annual variations in human activity (for example,
tourism
Tourism is travel for pleasure, and the Commerce, commercial activity of providing and supporting such travel. World Tourism Organization, UN Tourism defines tourism more generally, in terms which go "beyond the common perception of tourism as ...
,
restaurant
A restaurant is an establishment that prepares and serves food and drinks to customers. Meals are generally served and eaten on the premises, but many restaurants also offer take-out and Delivery (commerce), food delivery services. Restaurants ...
s, some forms of
manufacturing
Manufacturing is the creation or production of goods with the help of equipment, labor, machines, tools, and chemical or biological processing or formulation. It is the essence of the
secondary sector of the economy. The term may refer ...
).
Seasonal industries often feature large swings in labor force size, and in many cases, precipitate mass
migrations of workers.
In those countries that provide them,
unemployment benefit
Unemployment, according to the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), is the proportion of people above a specified age (usually 15) not being in paid employment or self-employment but currently available for Work (hu ...
s may be affected by a worker's seasonal status. That is, in certain cases, a seasonal worker may not be considered "
unemployed
Unemployment, according to the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), is the proportion of people above a specified age (usually 15) not being in paid employment or self-employment but currently available for Work (hu ...
" during the off-season for the sake of benefits or aggregated statistics, despite being functionally inactive.
Social issues
The Home Office has issued a warning to British tourists heading to Mediterranean destinations like Ibiza, Majorca, and Menorca for summer work in 2024. Young Britons seeking jobs in the seasonal industry of
nightlife
Nightlife is a collective term for entertainment that is available and generally more popular from the late evening into the early hours of the morning. It includes pubs, bars, nightclubs, parties, live music, concerts, cabarets, theatre, ...
and hospitality are at risk of exploitation by
criminal gangs.
As part of 'Operation Karetu', Border Force officials are educating travelers at 22 UK airports about the dangers of
modern slavery
Contemporary slavery, also sometimes known as modern slavery or neo-slavery, refers to institutional slavery that continues to exist in the 21st century. Estimates of the number of enslaved people range from around 38 million to 49.6 million, d ...
, sexual exploitation, and
illegal employment. Many young workers may face long hours for low pay and may unknowingly engage in unlawful work due to unfamiliarity with EU labor laws.
Authorities stress the importance of securing proper visas and employment contracts before working abroad to protect British youth from unscrupulous employers and ensure their safety in popular tourist areas.
See also
*
Seasonworker
Notes
Industries (economics)
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