Our business is FRUIT GROWING and HARVESTING

Most placements are low skilled and can include the following types of work:

Planting crop Picking crop (by hand)
Packing and processing of crops
Weeding, husbandry and pruning
Erecting poly tunnels
Irrigation Work

Although we have jobs all through the year, the number of positions peaks over May, June and July.

For manual harvesting work (fruit picking) you do not need to have experience, but you should understand that this is physically demanding work and involves bending and lifting. You will be expected to pick to targets to maintain your employment. We would advise you not to apply if you have recently suffered an accident or sporting injury resulting in weakness of your limbs, as you will be required to carry loads of over 10 kg for up to 200 metres.

Harvesting usually operates daily and the number of hours offered per day is variable. The farm often starts work early in the morning to avoid picking in the midday heat. Because of weather conditions which dictate the abundance, duration and time of harvest, there can be no assurance or guarantee of work at any particular time, so it is essential to bring a return ticket with you. Harvesting dates are only approximate and in some years the picking may vary by 2 –3 weeks depending on the weather.

Most of our participants have a very rewarding experience, enjoy the hard work and the money they earn, whilst meeting and making new friends from different countries.

Get Paid - The Minimum Wage in England is £6.08 per hour.

Picking fruit is based on piece rates. Your pay depends on the weight of the fruit that you harvest. It is a standard rate per kg, and is in accordance with the Agricultural Wages Board harvesting rate of pay.

The more you pick the more you earn. A picker can earn anything between £200—£300 a week depending on how good a picker is. (this is a guide only)

Your pay will be subject to UK Income Tax and National Insurance Contributions (NIC) legislation just like any other worker in the UK. Everyone can earn a certain amount of money each year without paying Tax, this is called your Personal Allowance. In 2011—2012 the Personal Allowance was £7475.00, however, unless you are a student and sign a P38s form you will most likely have income tax deducted and then you may be able to reclaim some of it back when you leave the farm via your P45 form. You can currently earn up to £139 a week before you start paying National Insurance Contributions, any earnings over this amount will be subject to deductions currently at 12%