Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme
How do I apply to recruit seasonal workers through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Scheme?
This page explains how the process you need to go through to recruit seasonal workers through the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS).
If you want to recruit seasonal agricultural workers choose the operator you want to recruit your seasonal labour through.
Once you have chosen the operator you want to use you should contact them directly for them to assess your requirements and to begin the recruitment process.
The operator is responsible for:
- sourcing and recruiting eligible workers to take part in the scheme;
- assessing and monitoring your ability to provide suitable work placements and accommodation to SAWS workers;
- ensuring workers are treated fairly and lawfully; and
- ensuring farmers and growers are provided with people who are suitable to do the work on offer.
When you make a request for a seasonal worker the operator you contact will need to visit your farm to assess whether you meet the requirements of the scheme. If you have any questions about the scheme, the operator should be able to provide you with further advice during the visit or put you in contact with someone who can answer your questions.
If the operator is satisfied with the visit you will be accepted on to the scheme. You will be asked to sign a formal written agreement with your operator. As a minimum, this agreement will specify:
- your responsibilities and the responsibility of the operator, particularly in relation to the health and safety of workers and what will happen if you fail to meet the requirements of the scheme; and
- all deductions or charges you intend to make on SAWS workers including those not covered by the agricultural wages order;
- confirmation that the net wage complies with the Agricultural Wages Order minima;
- the internal grievance procedures you can follow if you are dissatisfied with the service provided by the operator.
The operator will periodically visit your farm and speak to the SAWS workers. These visits will make sure the requirements of the scheme continue to be met.
To ensure compliance with the scheme we may also visit your farm to interview both yourself and your workers.
See also
News & updates
- Tier 5 (temporary worker) - government authorised exchange - additional guidance
- Overseas government employees switching into Tier 5 (temporary worker) - international agreements
- Points-based system: approved English language tests for Tier 1 and Tier 2
- Government-approved shortage occupation list for Tier 2 of the points-based system
Contact
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Concordia (YSV) Ltd
01273 422 293
19 North Street, Portslade, East Sussex, BN41 1DH
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Fruitful Ltd
0870 727 0050
Unit 3, Honeybourne Industrial Estate, Evesham, WR11 7QF
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HOPS Labour Solutions
02476 857 206
National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs, YFC Centre, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG
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Sastak Ltd
01588 673636
1-7, BDC, Long Lane, Craven Arms, Salop, SY7 8DZ