Recruitment of third Cohort of Seasonal Works for UK Farms
What is the Seasonal Worker Scheme?
The Seasonal Worker Scheme (SWS) is a UK Government Scheme of which HOPS is an authorised operator. It provides farmers and growers in the UK with a source of labour to meet their workforce demand for seasonal positions within the horticulture sector, which is defined by Defra as:
Protected Vegetables (glasshouse production)
Field Vegetables (outside production including herbs, leafy salads and potatoes)
Soft Fruits (outdoor and covered)
Top Fruits
Vines and Bines (hops and grapes)
Mushrooms
Bulbs and cut flowers, grown outdoors and indoors
Pot plants and bedding plants
Hardy ornamental nursery stock (Christmas trees, shrubs)
Tree and forest nurseries
What type of work is available under the SWS?
Most the seasonal work within the edible-horticulture sector is in the fruit sector (55%) and the vegetable/salad sector (25%). Work is usually manual and unskilled so no experience is necessary and full training will be provided. There are limited roles available within machinery (e.g. forklift, tractor) where a licence will be required. There are opportunities for development.
Where workers are expected to drive vehicles, they will need to demonstrate that they have the required license and can drive vehicles competently and safely on UK roads.
General primary production work in edible and ornamental horticulture
Crop maintenance, harvesting, husbandry
Tunnel construction and dismantling
Irrigation installation/maintaining
Packing and processing of crops
Preparing and dismantling growing areas and media
Supervising horticultural workers
