Seasonal Worker Scheme (SWS)

What is the seasonal worker scheme?

The Seasonal Worker route is for someone who wants to come to the UK to do seasonal horticulture work. A person on the Seasonal Worker route can stay for a maximum period of six months in any 12-month period.

Sponsors
Individual employers are not eligible for a Seasonal Worker sponsor licence; individuals must apply through a “scheme operator” which is:
• endorsed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to be an approved scheme operator, and

• licensed by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority
There are currently six scheme operators, more information can be found here.

How much does it cost?
You will need to:
• Pay the visa application fee of £298.
• Travel to the UK / farm.
• Depending on the country, a maximum fee of £80 to register your biometrics for your VISA.
• Enough money to support you.

You should not pay any recruitment fees. If anyone asks you to pay money other than for the above reasons, please report it to us here.

Recruitment fees and related costs include (but are not limited to):
• Payments in any form for submitting or assisting with completing applications for work;
• Fees charged as a condition of access to the job opportunity;
• Medical costs: payments for medical examinations, tests or vaccinations;
• Costs for skills and qualification tests: costs to verify workers’ language proficiency and level of skills and qualifications, as well as for location-specific credentialing, certification or licensing;
• Costs for training and orientation: expenses for required trainings, including on-site job orientation and pre-departure or post-arrival orientation of newly recruited workers;
• Equipment costs: costs for tools, uniforms, safety gear, and other equipment needed to perform assigned work safely and effectively.

S&A has adopted the Employer Pays Principle, which forms part of our commitment to responsible recruitment. This means that first and foremost, we take steps to prevent payment of any recruitment fees and costs; however, where it has been reported to us that workers have paid (or have reported to have paid) recruitment fees or related costs, this will be thoroughly investigated, and victims repaid.

You can read more about our Recruitment Fees Policy here.

What to expect
We house our seasonal workers on our campsites, the campsite is located within the farm where you will work. 
More information available here. 

Payment 
The minimum rate of pay you will receive is £11.44 per hour. 
You are paid weekly, directly into a UK bank account of your choosing. 

Working Hours 
You will be scheduled to work a minimum of 32 hours per week.
On average, you can expect to work 42 hours per week.

Please use the links below to find out more information regarding working and living at one of our farms:
Geographical location
Fruit Harvesting
Facilities
How to find us
Useful Information
Policies