Harvesting
Harvesting strawberries can be physically hard work. All strawberries are now grown on table top constructions which mean fruit is at waist height reducing the need to bend.
Type of Work
The work at Withers Farm is hard work, but at the same time really fun and rewarding. We are currently working with the following recruitment agencies :- AG Recruitment, providing UK agricultural employers with effective and capable workers. Horticultural jobs UK / Fruitful Jobs in Herefordshire. Links are :- www.agrecruitment.eu & www.fruitfuljobs.com
You will have the opportunity to work with people from other cultures and countries and we find a lot of our staff want to return each year; you could make some great life-long friends.
Teamwork is very important to make sure each job is completed quickly, effectively and to a high standard.
All work requires a person to be physically fit and capable of walking, lifting, and bending.
When starting at Withers Farm please let us know about any previous jobs that you may have had and any relevant skills/qualifications/certificates, so that we can match you to the best type of work.
- Tunnel work
This work involves erecting tunnels and venting tunnels on hot days.
- Husbandry Work
Our husbandry work comprises of weeding, removing flowers, pulling up polythene and many other jobs.
- Planting & Propagation Work
This involves producing new plants for the next season. New plants are planted from January to July.
- Rowcheckers
Vacancies can sometimes exist for experienced staff, overseeing harvesting and husbandry jobs.
- Drivers
Drivers are required to drive tractors, mini buses and other farm vehicles. Special licences are sometimes required depending on the vehicle.
Hours of Work
In regards to your working hours; you will need to be flexible as you may be required to work early mornings and late nights; this is not your usual 9 to 5 job. Working hours are in line with UK legislation.
Our aim is to provide between 40-60 hours (not exceeding 60 hours) of work per week, per person, but is weather and crop dependent.
You will normally be required to work a five or six day week.
The working week is Monday to Sunday and you will be paid each week in arrears on a Friday, directly into your UK bank account or onto a Prepaid Barclaycard which we can help you obtain.
We will send payslips and important information via email therefore you must have an active email address; if you require a printed payslip this can also be done.
Holiday will be accrued and can be paid during employment or at the end of your contract if you wish.
Wages
High wages paid for workers who are prepared to work hard.
Most of the work will be on a piece rate basis, this means the more you pick the more you earn .
The rate of pay is £11.44 per hour. Top pickers could earn around £15/£20 or more per hour, on piece rates.
Piece work rates will vary according to the crop and weather conditions.
Wages are paid in accordance with the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage. (NMW & NLW)
| Year | 18 years old plus.. | |
|---|---|---|
| April 2024 | £11.44 |
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in the form of our purpose built hostel, or in the form of our mobile homes.
There are between 4 and 6 workers sharing various rooms or mobile homes depending on the size. If you are coming with family or friends, you can request to share the accommodation with them.
Furniture is provided and includes tables, chairs, a cooker and a fridge. You will need to provide cooking and eating utensils and bed linen. These are available to purchase from the site shop.
You will need to make your own arrangements to travel to work if you decide to stay off-site.
Our daily accommodation charge is £9.99 per day.
Facilities
There is a main large kitchen with cookers, microwaves and storage.
There are various shower and toilet blocks which are both private and communal and are located centrally on the site.
We have laundry facilities which are also centrally located. You will have to pay a small charge for this service each time you use it.
We have an on-site shop that provides items such as waterproofs, various types of gloves and wellies.
If you require anything that is not stocked please let us know.
We are here to help and support you whilst you are with us and can assist with:
- Collecting you from the bus and train station on arrival and taking you to Ledbury on your departure of the farm.
- Allocating you accommodation.
- Induction training.
- Translation services.
- Arranging doctor, dentist and medical appointments (including translation and taking you there).
- Collecting medical prescriptions.
- Campsite maintenance.
- Helping with necessary HMRC forms, P46, P45, P85.
- Reference letter when leaving the farm.
- Warm sleeping bag / pillow – bedding isn’t provided and British nights can be cold.
- Towel and wash bag
- Suitable clothing and footwear for the British weather – strong footwear and waterproofs are recommended.
- Passport (and visa if applicable)
- Money (we recommend around £100)
- Insurance documents – Full details of insurance (in English Language) including the emergency contact number and the full name and address of the company providing this insurance.
- Driving Licence including CPC if you wish to drive a minibus and any other certificates / licences: i.e. Telescopic training, (JCB/Merlo), Spray certificates, Mechanical or Building skills, forklift, or first aid
- You are welcome to bring things to make your bedroom feel like home, for example photographs of family and friends, this can help with homesickness
- Your hand luggage should include enough personal articles to last for your first night in the UK (clean underwear, warm jacket, toothbrush, and medication etc). This is just in case your luggage is delayed in transit.
- DON’T pack fresh food. HM Customs and the port of entry may confiscate it. Make sure your luggage is clearly labelled in English with your name and the office telephone number.
*Please be advised that your valuables are your own responsibility; we recommend you have them insured.
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